The people of Solihull are encouraged to get protected ahead of the winter months

Solihull town centre was a hive of activity this weekend (19-21 November), with more than one person being jabbed every minute – equating to a whopping 1,625 locals getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Walk-in clinics have proved to be popular services with Silhillians – as nearly 1,300 people were vaccinated the weekend before at the mobile vaccine van. Due to this strong demand, Solihull Council has worked with the local NHS COVID-19 vaccination service to convert the Council’s community test hub, in-between Pret a Manger and Halifax bank on Solihull High Street, to a permanent vaccination centre.

It is open daily, from 8am to 6pm. The mobile vaccine van will also be in Mell Square today and tomorrow (23-24 November, 9:00am – 4:00pm).

Morag Gates, COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Director said: “It has been fantastic to see so many people visiting the vaccination vans in Mell Square in recent weeks, and in response to this, we have decided to create a permanent vaccination centre in the heart of Solihull town centre.

“Local people will be able to walk-in without an appointment, or book an appointment if they prefer, for their first, second or booster COVID-19 vaccination. We are hopeful that this new town centre facility will help to provide easy and convenient access for people to have their vaccinations in the borough.”

Ruth Tennant, Solihull’s Director of Public Health, added:

“We know that this winter will be hard for the local NHS, as the usual respiratory illnesses, stomach bugs and flu begin to recirculate, in addition to COVID-19. Our hospitals are extremely busy, so if you’re yet to do so, please join the 81% of vaccinated Solihull residents and get along to the vaccine walk-in centre.

“Vaccines are life savers, 89% of people currently in critical care with COVID-19 are not fully vaccinated, so please don’t miss out, get vaccinated to keep well this winter!”

People from Solihull can use this service by simply turning up, no appointment is necessary to receive first, second or booster doses (boosters must be at least 6 months or 182 days after second doses). Alternatively residents can book an appointment at the centre via the national booking system.

This new service provides an extra opportunity for residents to get vaccinated easily. Alternatively, some local GPs are also offering booster vaccinations; if your surgery is offering this, they will contact you directly, so please wait to hear from them first.