Flu vaccine bus visits hospitals to offer jabs

A roving vaccination vehicle will be visiting hospitals in Walsall and Wolverhampton during the winter season to offer flu and Covid-19 jabs.

More than three million people across the Midlands have had the flu jab, but people are being urged to get themselves protected, as cases continue to rise.

The minibus will be at New Cross and Walsall Manor Hospitals on various dates in December and January and appointments are not needed needed.

Latest NHS data showed that on 24 November there were more than 2,300 people with flu in hospital beds in the West Midlands, an increase of about 1,000 on the week before.

The number of flu patients in hospital has hit a record high in England for this time of year and the NHS is warning the country is facing an unprecedented flu season.

"As part of our efforts to protect staff, patients and residents, we are making getting vaccinated as accessible as possible," said Sally Roberts, from the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board.

The vehicle will be outside the pathology department at Walsall Manor and outside the emergency department at New Cross Hospital.

Caroline Whyte, deputy chief nursing officer at Royal Wolverhampton and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trusts, said: "For lots of different reasons, we recognise it may not always be easy for people to get to a GP practice or pharmacy for their vaccination.

"To make sure they don't miss out, this roving vehicle will bring the flu and Covid vaccines to our two main hospital sites.

"It means patients, staff or visitors can pop in for their vaccine and protect themselves this winter.

"There is no need to book — just come along and speak to one of the friendly vaccination team who will be able to help you."

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