“It is positive that there is now clarity that local teams are able to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping."
Responding to confirmation that homeless people and rough sleepers will be prioritised for the COVID-19 vaccine, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“It is positive that there is now clarity that local teams are able to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping.
“Councils have been working with partners to reach out to people sleeping rough and those who are at risk of homelessness in their areas to encourage them to register with local GPs so that they can access wider healthcare provision, although this is not a requirement in order to be able to get vaccinated.
“People living on the streets are among the most vulnerable in society, lacking access to healthcare and the ability to self-isolate safely, with many also having underlying health conditions.
“It is vital that they are able to safely and easily receive the vaccine, which is the only certain route out of this pandemic.”