Following new government guidance, all eligible adults will be offered a COVID-19 booster jab before the end of the year in response to the risk posed by the Omicron variant of the virus.

Adults aged between 30 and 39 are able to book an appointment online via the national booking system with bookings available for those aged 18 and over from Wednesday. To be eligible for a booster jab, people must have had their second dose at least three months ago. Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“Following the latest government guidance, we’re now working to accelerate the booster programme across the area to offer protection to as many people as quickly as possible against the Omicron variant.

“It is likely there are many more cases of this variant in the community than those confirmed by testing. This is a fast-moving form of COVID-19 which has the potential to cause a large wave of infections, and vaccination remains our best defence.

“The booster jab is proven to help people who have been double-jabbed maintain a high level of protection, which is why we need everyone to come forward and take up the offer of a booster as soon as they’re eligible – to help protect themselves and those around them.

“The best way to ensure you get a vital booster jab is to make an appointment through the booking system, so please don’t delay.”

People who have tested positive for the virus recently should wait until four weeks after the date they were tested to get a dose of the vaccine. Appointments can be booked online via the National Booking System, or by calling 119.

Walk-in appointments are also available at a number of vaccination sites across the area including Tipton Sports Academy in Sandwell, The Saddlers Vaccination Centre in Walsall, the Cardiac Rehab Gym at City Hospital and the Mander Vaccination Centre in Wolverhampton.

For more information visit the NHS Black Country and West Birmingham CCG website.