Making it easier to get your vaccinations and get protected

December 22, 2022

The occupational health and wellbeing team are making it easier for colleagues to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations this season, with increased visits to wards and clinics moved to more accessible and prominent locations.

We’re now at the time of year when respiratory infection figures start to increase, with the strong likelihood of a surge of COVID and seasonal flu. All colleagues at our Trust are urged to protect themselves with a COVID-19 booster jab and a flu vaccination. Not only will this protect yourself, your colleagues and your loved ones; crucially, you will help protect our patients who may be at serious risk if they contract flu or COVID-19 whilst in our care.

The Trust is offering vaccinations to all colleagues through a number of different means. Our clinics have moved to ensure they are as accessible and prominent as possible. You can get your vaccinations at the following locations:

• City: baby feeding room, ground floor corridor (opposite D6)
• Sandwell: main reception area

As of Monday 5 December, the Trust is offering vaccinations across both sites. Additionally, we are offering an early morning start on Wednesdays and a late finish on Thursdays, to enable staff to attend regardless of their shift patterns.

The vaccination team will be visiting wards across both sites to vaccinate colleagues who don’t have time to attend a clinic. If you’d like to book in a specific time, 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.

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.

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).

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

Note: Tipton Sports Academy vaccine centre will close to the public on Monday 19  December. 

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