Almost 16,000 lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines were administered across the Black Country and West Birmingham last weekend.

The big walk-in weekend, which took place on Friday 25 June to Sunday 27 June, was organised to make the COVID-19 vaccine accessible to everyone and enable more people to get their first or second dose without the need for an appointment.

The area’s flagship vaccination services at The Saddlers Centre, Aldersley Leisure Village, City Hospital and Tipton Sports Academy took part in the initiative, as well as a number of other locations across the Black Country and West Birmingham. The latest published figures show that over 74%, 795,820 of adults have now had their first dose of the vaccine and 55%, 589,705 of adults have now had both doses.

With many more still to come forward health chiefs are urging those not yet vaccinated to get theirs now. Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“This is an absolutely incredible achievement and is a real testament to the hard work and dedication of all our staff and volunteers who took part, enabling us to vaccinate as many people as possible.

“I also want to thank all those that came forward and took the time to get their lifesaving vaccine over the weekend, to help protect themselves, their loved ones and the wider community.

“It’s never been easier to get a COVID-19 vaccine but we’ve got a long way to go to make sure that everyone has received their first dose. If you’ve not had your jab yet it’s not too late, so please come forward and we’ll get you booked in. 

All adults aged 18 and over are now eligible to receive their first dose, whilst people aged 40 and over who had their first dose of the vaccine over eight weeks ago should now receive their second dose.

You can find the full list of vaccination sites available across the Black Country and West Birmingham at blackcountrywestbirminghamcovidvaccine.co.uk.