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NHS Offers Free Flu and Pneumococcal Jabs to Rough Sleepers
The rollout targets 35,000 people and includes mobile clinics and one-stop health checks to reduce winter illness and hospital admissions.
The NHS launched a national vaccination program this week, offering free flu and pneumococcal jabs to thirty-five thousand people experiencing homelessness, sleeping rough, or using hostels and night shelters to safeguard them against winter illnesses.
Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation issued in June, the government accepted recommendations to expand vaccine access to these vulnerable groups as part of wider efforts to reduce winter pressures on healthcare services.
NHS teams are deploying mobile vans and pop-up clinics to homeless hotspots, including an inaugural Winter Wellness session at St Swithun's Church in Bournemouth where more than 40 people received vaccinations and health checks.
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said "no-one should face flu, pneumonia or other serious illness this winter, simply because they dont have a safe place to call home." The initiative ensures vulnerable groups receive equal protection.
With 90 per cent of pharmacies now offering these vaccinations, Sean Palmer, executive director of transformation at St Mungo's, said the rollout will help improve health outcomes and prevent hospital admissions for marginalised people.