At a Glance
- For the first time, people experiencing homelessness in Essex can receive a free NHS flu vaccination.
- The offer is available to people aged 16 and over who are sleeping rough or staying in homeless hostels or night shelters.
- Dedicated vaccination clinics will take place in Southend on 12 November and Grays on 24 November.
- No GP registration or permanent address is required.
- Eligible people can also receive vaccinations through participating pharmacies, GP practices and outreach services.
People experiencing homelessness in Essex are being encouraged to take up the offer of a free flu vaccination this winter, following a change to national NHS eligibility criteria.
People aged 16 and over who are sleeping rough or staying in homeless hostels or night shelters are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination, helping to protect those at greater risk of becoming seriously unwell.
Flu vaccination clinics will be held throughout November to make it easier for all eligible adults to get protected, and dedicated clinics for people experiencing homelessness will be held in Southend on 12 November and Grays on 24 November.
People attending a clinic do not need to be registered with a GP or have a permanent address to receive their vaccination.
The change to eligibility recognises that people experiencing homelessness face additional health risks, including greater vulnerability to serious illness and complications from flu.
Dr Matthew Sweeting, Executive Medical Director at NHS Essex, said:
“Being ill with flu is horrible enough when you have a safe, warm place to rest and recover. For someone who doesn’t have a place to call home, getting ill can be particularly difficult, and the consequences can be much more serious.
“This year, for the first time, people who are sleeping rough or staying in homeless hostels or night shelters can get a free NHS flu vaccination, regardless of whether they would previously have qualified.
“We want to make sure people know this protection is available and that getting vaccinated is as straightforward as possible.
“The dedicated clinics in Southend and Grays offer a welcoming and supportive environment, with no judgement and no need to be registered with a GP. It’s simply an opportunity to protect yourself against what can be a very serious illness.”
People who are eligible do not have to attend the dedicated clinic to receive their vaccination. They can also access a free flu vaccination through participating community pharmacies, GP practices and outreach services.
For more information about flu vaccination and eligibility, visit www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/.