Tens of thousands of people experiencing homelessness are now eligible for free NHS vaccinations to protect against potentially serious winter viruses. From this week, NHS teams and charity partners will provide crucial flu and pneumococcal disease vaccines as part of a new national programme.
The initiative includes NHS pop-up clinics and mobile vans in homeless hotspots, aiming to ensure access to protection against winter diseases. People registered with a GP can also get vaccinated at their practice or a community pharmacy.
This rollout follows a government decision in June to accept expert advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to make these vaccinations available to those experiencing homelessness. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to end rough sleeping in the UK.
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS national director for primary care and community services, highlighted that winter is particularly challenging for homeless individuals, who face greater health risks from respiratory viruses. She emphasised that proof of address is not needed to register with a GP, and individuals can use a day centre, hostel, or the GP practice's own address.