Free NHS flu vaccinations extended to people experiencing homelessness

Tens of thousands of people experiencing homelessness in England are being offered free flu vaccinations through the NHS for the first time under a national programme designed to reduce serious illness this winter.

The scheme covers people aged 16 and over who are sleeping rough or staying in homeless hostels and night shelters. Mobile vaccination vans and pop-up clinics will be deployed in areas with higher levels of homelessness to make the service easier to access.

People without a permanent address can also register with a GP using the address of a hostel, day centre or the GP practice itself. Proof of address is not required to register or receive NHS care.

The decision follows advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which found that people experiencing homelessness can face an equal or greater risk from flu than some groups already routinely offered vaccination.

Poor underlying health, exposure to cold weather and difficulties accessing routine healthcare can all increase the danger posed by respiratory infections. Flu can cause complications including pneumonia, worsen existing medical conditions and lead to hospital admission or death.

Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS national director for primary care and community services, said winter could be particularly difficult for people without stable accommodation. She said providing vaccinations in convenient community locations would give them the same protection available to other vulnerable groups.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said nobody should have to sleep rough, but added that the Government had a duty to protect people currently living on the streets from potentially deadly infections while working towards longer-term solutions to homelessness.

Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said a lack of safe accommodation should not leave somebody more exposed to flu, pneumonia or other serious winter illnesses.

The wider seasonal programme also offers free flu vaccinations to people aged 65 and over, adults in recognised clinical risk groups, pregnant women, care home residents, eligible carers and close contacts of people with weakened immune systems. Frontline health and social care workers may also receive vaccination through their employers.

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