PEOPLE who are clinically extremely vulnerable and carers who have not yet been vaccinated against Covid-19 are being asked to contact the NHS to arrange a jab.

Until now health chiefs have asked people to wait until they are contacted to help ensure those most vulnerable are protected first - and that remains the case for most people.

But, in line with national guidance and to ensure absolutely everyone across the Black Country and West Birmingham in the highest priority groups are offered the vaccine, those who are identified in JCVI cohort 6 can now contact the NHS so they can be vaccinated.

They include the following:

• Anyone between the ages of 16 to 65 with underlying health conditions which put them at a higher risk of serious disease or mortality. This is also known as “clinically vulnerable.”

• Anyone who is in receipt of carer’s allowance.

• Anyone who is the main carer of an elderly or disabled person, whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.

For those eligible, a vaccine can be booked through the national booking service online via nhs.uk/covid-vaccination. The system allows patients to choose a time slot and location to suit.

Anyone unable to book online can call 119 free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm - seven days a week.

Many who have not yet booked an appointment are already receiving follow up letters and phone calls this week to encourage them to take up the offer of a jab.

GPs are also arranging vaccinations for younger adults in long-stay in-patient, nursing and residential care settings who are also eligible for vaccination under cohort 6.

Sally Roberts, chief nurse for Black Country and West Birmingham CCGs, said: “We are pleased to be able to invite everyone who falls under cohort 6 to come and get their Covid-19 vaccine.

“We want to ensure everyone in an eligible group has had the chance to get protected, especially those who are clinically vulnerable and most at risk of serious illness, and our carers who we depend on to look after others.

“No one will be left behind, but we are seeing some people not taking up the offer. I would urge anyone who is eligible to contact the NHS and make an appointment now.

“If you have already been offered a jab but have not taken it up it is not too late. Please come forward and we will get you booked in”

People who do not know their NHS number can still book an appointment through the national system but will only be given an appointment if they are in an eligible priority group.