Tens of thousands of people experiencing homelessness can get vital protection from potentially serious winter viruses with a free NHS vaccine.
Our vaccination teams and charity partners have begun outreach clinics to offer potentially life-saving flu and pneumococcal disease vaccines to people experiencing homelessness as part of the national vaccination programme.
These patients often face increased health risks from these viruses due to exposure, underlying health conditions, poor living conditions, poor nutrition, high levels of stress and limited access to healthcare.
It is hoped increasing vaccination among vulnerable groups can also help to protect the wider public by reducing the spread of flu through communities, helping prevent avoidable hospitalisations and easing winter pressures on NHS and emergency services during periods of high demand.
The NHS rollout follows a decision in June when the government accepted expert advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to make NHS pneumococcal and seasonal flu vaccinations available to those experiencing homelessness. Also for the first time this year, some pharmacies can now vaccinate children aged between two and under 18 who are in clinical risk groups.
Other groups eligible from this week include people aged 65 years and over, all adults in clinical risk groups from 18 to under 65, residents of long-stay residential care homes, carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, people who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person, and close contacts of people who are immunocompromised.
Pregnant women and under-5s have been offered flu vaccinations since 1st September.
Attending a drop-in clinic in Bournemouth, Pete Turner, 60, who lives in a tent, said it was the first time he had received a flu jab.
“Because it’s here I thought ‘might as well get it done’. I wouldn’t like to have flu to be honest,” he said.
“It makes people feel secure as well, especially if they’re living rough.”
Barry Coakley, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset Integrated Care Boards Cluster said, “Those eligible are encouraged to book their vaccination as soon as possible.
“People will be able to book with their GP practice or local pharmacy but there will also be outreach clinics in key locations to improve access for everyone.
“Flu, COVID-19 and RSV often circulate more in the winter, getting your vaccination helps to reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and complications – and it also helps protect those around you and can ease pressure on NHS services during the busy winter period.” Find out more here Winter vaccinations and winter health – NHS
