Patients going to Walsall Manor Hospital, and the public, will be able to get on board a Covid-19 vaccination bus parked on site throughout this weekend.

The bus is near to the rear entrance of the hospital, known as the Sister Dora entrance and provides the Pfizer vaccination only.

Professor David Loughton CBE, interim Chief Executive at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust said: “We know that rates are rising in our communities and we want to do all we can to safeguard our patients and protect our staff against the virus.

“Vaccination is our best defence against Covid-19 and having the jab means you’ll protect yourself, your family, your friends and our NHS colleagues who have been working throughout the pandemic to take care of us all. People may well be aware of the challenges facing emergency care across the country – we are seeing record numbers of patients – and infection rates have increased considerably in all regions. We are seeing patients who are eligible but have not had their vaccinations yet.

“We want to encourage as many as possible to have the vaccine and keep the tremendous effort shown so far going so that we can all see a reduction in lives lost or severely impacted by this terrible virus.”

The buses can be used by patients and staff alike and are available between 8am and 7pm this Saturday and Sunday. Over 18s can have their vaccination and anyone who has had their first dose of Pfizer eight weeks ago can receive their second.

Professor Loughton added: “We’ve got a big weekend coming up with the Euros 2020 final and people want to let their hair down and have a good time. But social distancing, hand hygiene and wearing a face covering when necessary are still really important. Don’t end up in A&E through taking unnecessary risks – let’s keep emergency care for those with life-threatening conditions.”

The Saddlers Vaccination Centre in Walsall is also open daily from 8am until 7pm for walk-ins.