Further flu vaccination clinic dates announced

It comes amid the UK's flu season starting five weeks earlier than usual

Further walk in flu vaccination clinics have been announced across Wolverhampton over the next few weeks.

The clinics will offer free adult flu vaccinations to all eligible groups, including pregnant women, those aged 65 and over, those aged 18 to under 65 in clinical risk groups, carers, frontline health and social care workers.

Those in close contact with immunocompromised individuals are also eligible for the vaccine.

The UK Health Security Agency has warned that the UK's winter flu season has begun five weeks earlier than usual, and said cases were rising quickly among children and young people and would soon spread across older age groups.

No appointment for the clinics in Wolverhampton is required and clinics will be taking place at:

• Sainsbury's St Marks, Raglan Street, Wolverhampton, on Tuesday 11 November from 10:00 to 15:00 GMT

• Queen Square, Wolverhampton, on Monday 17 November from 10:00 to 15:00 GMT

• Asda, Wolverhampton Road, Heath Town, on Monday 24 November from 10:00 to 14:00 GMT

• Queen Square, Wolverhampton, on Monday 1 December from 10:00 to 15:00 GMT

• Queen Square, Wolverhampton, on Monday 8 December from 10:00 to 15:00 GMT

• Queen Square, Wolverhampton, on Monday 15 December from 10:00 to 15:00 GMT

• Asda, Wolverhampton Road, Heath Town, on Monday 5 January from 10:00 to 14:00 GMT

For children aged two and three, both the nasal spray and the injectable vaccines, which are gelatine free, will be available.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for health, said: "By getting vaccinated, you'll be helping to protect yourself and those around you from flu this winter."

As well as the walk-in clinics, pre-booked appointments are also available through GPs and some local pharmacies.