Homeless to be prioritised for coronavirus vaccine

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised the government to prioritise people experiencing homelessness, including those sleeping rough, for the coronavirus vaccine.

Many people who are homeless or sleeping rough are likely to have underlying health conditions which would place them in priority group 6. These are likely to be under-diagnosed or not properly reflected in GP records.

Because of the pandemic response, many thousands of people who sleep rough have been housed in emergency accommodation, thus providing a unique opportunity to offer vaccination to those often unable to access basic healthcare.

The JCVI has said that homeless people should be offered the vaccine without the need for an NHS number or GP registration. Then, local decisions should be taken on whether a shorter schedule may be offered if they are unlikely to return for the second dose at 12 weeks.

Rosanna O’Connor, acting director for Health Improvement at Public Health England, said: “People who are homeless or who sleep rough face reduced access to healthcare, and experience some of the highest rates of poor health outcomes and undiagnosed health issues. We welcome this decision of JCVI and are pleased to have supported the committee with the evidence that helped make this decision, which will protect those who are most vulnerable and may be at increased of severe illness or death from Covid-19.”