NHS clinic takes COVID-19 vaccines to homeless and vulnerable people

In Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, the NHS is prioritising homeless people by organising bespoke clinics to drive uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The vaccine service recognises that to reach this vulnerable group they need to ramp up their efforts by working closely with shelters and charities in the area, to ensure that homeless people who may not be registered with a GP or have access to a computer or phone can still get protected against the virus.

The Shrewsbury Ark, the Shropshire-based charity which provides ongoing support and day centre facilities for the homeless and vulnerable in the community, opened its doors to Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin’s COVID-19 vaccination team yesterday (Tuesday 29 November 2022) to help give homeless and vulnerable people the opportunity to boost their immunity against COVID-19. 

The vaccination clinic offered those attending the chance to receive either their first, second or booster vaccine. This was the latest in a number of visits to The Shrewsbury Ark and other venues across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin over the past few years since the pandemic began.

Michael Randall, a service user at The Shrewsbury Ark, who was one of the many to come forward and get his vaccine at the clinic, remarked: “I’ve had my jab to make sure I don’t catch coronavirus this winter. It was good that it was available, and I had the opportunity to get it. It made things a lot easier for me to access this service by them coming to The Ark.”

Emily Bell, Chair of The Shrewsbury Ark, said: “Access to healthcare is a really big problem if you’re homeless, so to be able to have a safe environment here at The Ark where we can ensure everyone can keep up to date with their vaccinations is brilliant.

“It was lovely to see so many people come forward today and top up their protection as we move into what can be a very challenging winter period for them.”