People who are or have recently experienced homelessness in
Wales are to be offered a Covid vaccination as part of
priority group 6, Health Minister has
confirmed.
The prioritisation comes as people who are or have recently
experienced homelessness are confirmed to be classed as at
increased risk. This is because they are more likely to have
an underlying health condition which puts them at high risk
from both transmission and the harms of coronavirus.
According to ONS data, people with experience of homelessness
have a lower than average non-Covid related life expectancy,
with mortality at around 31 to 38 years sooner than the
general population.
Guidance issued today [Wednesday 10 March] outlines
that an inclusive, blended approach should be taken to ensure
all homeless people are included as part of the Welsh
Government’s plans to guarantee no one is left behind, as
Wales continues its vaccination programme.
People are currently identified and contacted via their GP or
health records to be offered a vaccine however many homeless
people may not be registered with health or other local
services.
Local authorities, third sector and housing organisations, as
well as homelessness support teams, will be key in helping to
support individuals to take up their vaccine offer.
The vaccine will also be taken to where people are, rather
than expecting them to visit services.
Those included are those sleeping rough, people in emergency
accommodation and people recently homeless in supported
accommodation.
Health Minister said:
“It is as shocking as it is saddening that those who are
homeless are much more likely to have a physical or mental
health conditions which put them at a higher risk from the
harms of Covid-19.
“A fundamental principle of our vaccination programme is
that no one will be left behind and as part of this
commitment, we are already working to ensure it is as easy
as possible for every eligible adult in Wales to have a
coronavirus vaccine if they want one.
“Today’s guidance provides further information on how we
are going to do this across organisations and government to
ensure homeless people are supported to get protected and
have their vaccine too.”
Minister for Housing and Local Government said:
“Today’s announcement means we will be able to protect some
of the most vulnerable people in our society.
“Since the pandemic began housing teams and support workers
in local authorities and the third sector have been working
tirelessly to support people who are experiencing
homelessness into safe, secure accommodation. Thousands
have been helped and lives have undoubtedly been saved.
These teams will now play an absolutely crucial role in
helping us get the vaccine to where it’s most needed.
“By extending the offer of vaccination to people who are
experiencing homelessness and, importantly, taking the
vaccine to where those people are, we can ensure that no
one is left behind.”
Cymorth Cymru Director Katie Dalton said:
“We are delighted that people experiencing homelessness are
being prioritised for the COVID-19 vaccine in Wales. We
have worked closely with the Welsh Government to evidence
the particular risks to this population, and we are really
pleased that Ministers have responded through the
publication of this guidance.
“As well as the higher prevalence of underlying health
conditions, we know that people experiencing homelessness
are less likely to be registered with health services and
could have missed out on the vaccine. The inclusive
approach set out today means that public services and
support providers are empowered to ensure that people
sleeping rough and in emergency or supported accommodation
are not forgotten and get the protection they need from
COVID-19.”
Last year the Welsh Government announced £50 million to
provide people with safe and secure homes, ensuring they do
not fall into homelessness and no-one is forced back onto the
streets.
