This week is all about preparing for the start of major new vaccination programmes – for 12 to 15-year-olds and boosters for the most vulnerable.
Jabs for young people are being mainly organised through schools - see more here.
This is welcome news because we are experiencing rising COVID infection levels among schoolchildren in England.
There are currently outbreaks in more than 20 Solihull schools and it is stressful and disruptive to all those involved. Therefore, we urge parents and carers to continue to get their child to test regularly, isolate as soon as symptoms develop and get a PCR test.
If you are a contact of a positive case, order a PCR test. The full guidance can be found here.
Keep reminding children about safe behaviour like hand washing too.
The NHS will get in touch with people directly about booster appointments, likely to be run in conjunction with flu vaccine roll out in many places.
Double vaccination – plus boosters if invited – remains the best way forward. Get yours as soon as you can and encourage family, friends and colleagues.
I would encourage everyone eligible to take up the booster jab as soon as possible. People who get an invitation can book their appointment via the National Booking Service either online here or call 119.
More than a million people in England are likely to be contacted by text or by post. Find out more here.
Check NHS England’s online walk-in site finder for your nearest available vaccination centre and find local vaccination information here.
You can also book vaccine appointments online through the National Booking Service or by calling 119.
Do stick to the tried and tested safety advice - wear face coverings on public transport and in crowded indoor spaces, maintain social distancing, choose outdoor gatherings and to work from home if you can. Get the NHS COVID App - The NHS COVID-19 app support website - NHS.UK (covid19.nhs.uk).
Neeraj Malhotra
Deputy Director of Public Health, Solihull Council
Below are useful links including where you can get a vaccine, how to book, and how to get a test.
- Birmingham & Solihull NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Service – Birmingham & Solihull NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Service (birminghamandsolihullcovidvaccine.nhs.uk)
- What you need to know – Birmingham & Solihull NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Service (birminghamandsolihullcovidvaccine.nhs.uk)
- The NHS is also contacting people to bring forward second vaccination appointments, or rebook yourself on the National Booking Service.
- Access tests at our community test sites in Chelmsley Wood, next to the bus interchange, or Solihull High Street next to Halifax Bank.
- There are options to suit everyone – walk in and ask for an assisted test, collect a kit to test at home, order online for free home delivery or pick up a pack from participating local pharmacies.
- If you should get a positive rapid test result it’s vital to get a confirmatory PCR test within 48 hours. Check the Covid-19 mobile testing unit timetable here or book via the national PCR test booking system.
- Full government guidance on new rules around self-isolation is here. Remember if a PCR test confirms you have COVID, we can offer financial support when you self-isolate. We have increased the threshold on the scheme so that you can access funds if you earn up to £26,000 - full details here.
- We can also provide other help and support; you can find out more here.
- For the latest information see Coronavirus (Covid-19) latest information | solihull.gov.uk