Rough sleepers in Peterborough to get vaccinated against winter viruses
The NHS has announced that people experiencing homelessness in the East of England – including in Peterborough - can now get vital protection from potentially serious winter viruses with a free NHS vaccine.
People experiencing homelessness can often face increased health risks from winter viruses due to exposure, underlying health conditions, poor living conditions, poor nutrition, high levels of stress and limited access to healthcare – and this latest NHS programme aims to ensure everyone has the best chance to get the protection they need.
As well as through outreach clinics and other convenient locations, people registered with a GP practice can also get vaccinated at their surgery or at a community pharmacy.
Other groups eligible for their free winter vaccinations 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. Eligible frontline health and social care professionals are also now encouraged to come forward for their flu jabs.
Pregnant women, school-age children and two- and three-year-olds have been offered flu vaccinations since 1 September in line with JCVI guidance.
Dr Eleanor Powers, Head of Public Health Commissioning (Immunisation) for NHS England – East of England, said: “The colder winter months can be an especially difficult time for people experiencing homelessness, who can often face much greater health risks from flu and other respiratory viruses.
“That’s why it’s crucial that some of the most vulnerable people in our region can get the protection they need this winter, with the NHS offering free vaccinations at convenient places.
Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, said: "Nobody should have to sleep rough, but while people are on the streets, we have a duty to keep them safe.”
Dr James McGowan, Consultant in Public Health at the UK Health Security Agency said: “Respiratory infections including flu and pneumonia are a leading cause of preventable hospital admissions in people experiencing homelessness.
“It is great news that this group of people can now get access to the flu vaccine, helping to protect them against what can be a life reducing infection.”