Last week across the Black Country and West Birmingham, a total of more than 100,000 vaccine doses were given at pharmacies, GP surgeries, pop-up clinics and walk-in centres.

Last Monday, all eligible adults were encouraged to come forward for their lifesaving booster jab in a bid to accelerate the booster vaccination programme.

Since then, more than 110,000 people across the Black Country and West Birmingham have received a COVID-19 vaccine, with almost 100,000 of these booster doses.

Sandwell is celebrating two record-breaking days of giving vaccine boosters - on Friday 17 December, Sandwell’s residents got a record 3,601 boosters in just one day. On Saturday 18 December that record was broken again, with 3,892 boosters jabs given. Director of Public Health Dr Lisa McNally said:

“The new omicron variant is a significant threat. It is spreading much faster than any coronavirus variant we’ve seen before is already causing serious illness and death.

"The best way to protect ourselves is get fully vaccinated.  Whether it’s your first jab or your booster, the teams at our vaccine clinics will be really pleased to see you. O.

"The Sandwell community has always responded positively to the threat coronavirus poses. Clearly, nothing has changed in that respect.

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for adults, social care and health Councillor Suzanne Hartwell added: “I’d urge everyone who hasn’t had their booster, or their first or second dose, yet to get it as soon as they can.

"There are so many places you can get your jab, we have pop-up clinics, walk-in centres and pharmacies all ready to give you your vaccines. Please get yours as soon as possible to protect yourself and your loved ones. "

Meanwhile Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb dropped into the Elton Centre on Saturday to see the vaccine booster operation in action. Suzanne, who recently received her third jab, met up with centre manager Kim Guest and Dave Harbach, who is Chair of the Board of Trustees, to tour the site.

The Elton Centre is administering 450 vaccines a day as the booster programme accelerates rapidly in the run-up to Christmas. Suzanne said:

“Many thanks to everyone at the Elton Centre and at other local Black Country vaccination sites who are doing a brilliant job getting those jabs into arms in time for Christmas.

“It is vitally important we go and get the booster when we are called forward. As the new variant takes hold and infections rise, this is the best protection we have for ourselves, our loved ones and for the NHS.

“The vaccination programme in this country has been just amazing. It has saved lives and put us in a much better position than this time last year despite the Omicron setback. I would like to thank everyone who has stepped forward to get their booster – you have done your bit.”

With more than 100 vaccination sites available across the Black Country and West Birmingham, including shopping centres, sports centres and town centres, as well as local pharmacies and GP surgeries, it’s never been easier to get your jab.

To find another walk-in centre where you can get your jab without an appointment, or to book an appointment at a time to suit you, go to nhs.uk/covidvaccination If you’re not online, call 119.