Boost your immunity this winter by getting your COVID and flu vaccinations

November 18, 2022

Boost your immunity this winter by getting your COVID and flu vaccinations.

The occupational health and wellbeing team continue to offer vaccinations to colleagues across the Trust.

We’re now at the time of year when respiratory infection figures start to increase, with the possibility for a surge of COVID and seasonal flu. As in the previous year, all colleagues at our Trust will be able to protect themselves with a COVID-19 booster jab and a flu vaccination, ensuring they are fully protected.

You must have had two primary doses of either Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Moderna. Your last vaccine must have been more than 91 days ago and you must be 18 years or over to meet the criteria. Flu vaccine being offered to SWB colleagues is cell-based quadrivalent influenza (QIVc).

Points to remember:

• You can have the flu and show no symptoms meaning you can be unknowingly spreading the virus to your family, friends and our patients.
• It’s important to have vaccinations as soon as possible, it can take up to two weeks for your body to build up good level of immunity.
• Our flu vaccines do not contain any porcine or egg ingredients.

You will be able to have either or both of the vaccines, administered in two separate injections, on the same day.

If possible, please have your NHS number to hand upon attending, as this will help speed up the process.

Clinics are based at the following locations:

• Sandwell: The Berridge room, Courtyard Gardens
• City: first floor former outpatients area (above the Arches canteen)
• Rowley: Westwood Ward

For any departments that are struggling to leave their areas due to workload, the team are able to work with you to arrange a vaccinator to attend the department. To discuss this, managers should contact Cara Shelton on 07507 523924.

Note: Tipton Sports Academy vaccine centre will close to the public on Monday 19  December. The opening hours at the centre will also be reduced to 9am – 5pm from Monday 21 November.

A schedule from November until the new year is available below.