For the first time this winter, individuals facing homelessness and rough sleeping can receive free flu and pneumococcal vaccinations. This initiative is part of the NHS's effort in the North West to enhance protection for communities identified as being at the greatest risk of serious illness.
NHS leaders have warned that the previous year's flu season began earlier than anticipated, placing additional strain on regional services. Eligible individuals are strongly encouraged to accept the vaccine as soon as they are invited, which helps prevent severe illness and reduces unnecessary demand during the NHS's busiest periods.
The free flu vaccine is also available to individuals aged 65 and over, those under 65 in clinical risk groups, care home residents, children, pregnant women, close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals, and frontline health and social care workers.
Across the North West, NHS teams are implementing more accessible and convenient vaccination methods. Mobile vaccination buses are being deployed to bring jabs closer to communities. In areas like Cheshire and Merseyside, and Lancashire and South Cumbria, these buses are administering vaccines at locations such as shopping centres, bus stations, places of worship, and leisure centres.
Hundreds of community pharmacies throughout the region are also providing vaccinations, often without requiring pre-booked appointments. Local NHS teams, in collaboration with charity partners, are conducting outreach efforts to administer flu vaccinations directly within communities to reach individuals experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping, who may encounter additional barriers to accessing healthcare.
In addition to flu vaccinations, COVID-19 vaccinations are available for adults aged 75 and over, care home residents in older adult facilities, and immunosuppressed individuals, following guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
The NHS also advises the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for pregnant women and older adults to offer protection against severe respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
“"As we head into winter and start to see flu and COVID-19 cases rise in the community, now is the time for people to get vaccinated and protect themselves and their families. Vaccination is our best defence. It can be lifesaving and helps prevent those most at risk from becoming seriously unwell or needing hospital care. Because flu viruses change from year to year, eligible people need the vaccine every year to stay protected against the strains most likely to circulate. GP practices, community pharmacies, walk-in clinics and outreach teams are making it as easy as possible to get protected. If you are eligible, or care for someone who is, please take up the offer as soon as you can."
During the last flu season, the NHS in the North West administered over 2.3 million flu jabs, contributing to the national total of more than 18.9 million vaccinations.
Eligible individuals can book their flu vaccination appointment online via the NHS website, through the NHS App, or by calling 119. They can also find a local pharmacy offering walk-in services.
