The Mayor of Dudley has encouraged residents to boost their immunity by getting their flu vaccinations and Covid autumn boosters.

Councillor Sue Greenaway visited Boots Pharmacy in Dudley town centre on Friday afternoon to get her flu vaccination ahead of the winter months, when cases of the virus are typically at their peak.

The borough’s first citizen urged residents to come forward for their flu vaccination and Covid autumn booster when they are called to receive them. Councillor Greenaway said:

"The flu vaccine and covid-19 autumn booster are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the risk of these viruses, which can be very dangerous.

"I encourage everyone who is called to receive these effective vaccines to come forward and help us to keep cases low in our borough as the winter approaches. My vaccination appointment was quick and easy and I’d like to say a big thank you to the team at the pharmacy."

Everyone aged 50 and over, adults aged 16 to 65 in at-risk groups, pregnant women, and health and social care workers are now eligible for the covid-19 autumn booster.

Most people in Dudley borough who are entitled to have the booster will get an invite from their GP, but if you don’t receive an invite, you can also book an appointment by calling 119 or visiting the NHS website.

The Saltwells Vaccination Centre also continues to offer covid-19 vaccinations for people who have not yet received their first, second or booster doses of the vaccine. Appointments for flu vaccination are also now available. You are eligible to have the flu vaccine if you:

• Are 50 years old or older (including those who’ll be 50 by 31 March 2023)
• Have certain health conditions
• Are pregnant
• Are in long-stay residential care
• Receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
• Live with someone who has a weakened immune system (eg. someone who has had a transplant, lives with HIV, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
• Are a frontline health or social worker.

Children aged two or three, all primary school children and some secondary school children will be offered a free nasal spray vaccine.

If you are eligible to have a flu vaccine, you will get an invite from your GP. You can also go to a local pharmacy offering the vaccine, or some maternity services if you are pregnant.