Oldham launches one of the first homeless COVID-19 vaccine schemes

Oldham has launched what is believed to be the first COVID-19 vaccination programme for the homeless in the world.

Government guidelines had left those with no fixed address sixth or even lower on the list, when it came to receiving the inoculation.

But with the knowledge that the average life span of a homeless person is just 47-years-of-age, Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care for Oldham Council, ensured that vulnerable rough sleepers would receive the jab in his area – regardless of their age.

“Not making rough sleepers who with low immune systems are desperately susceptible to infections a priority, is symptomatic of a government who fails to understand their needs” said Dr Chauhan, “we weren’t going to let that happen in Oldham. Being a GP working with people experiencing homelessness has taught me that they are so prone to mental, dental, and physical problems. The idea that those with greatest need are being left for weeks without protection against a virulent infection is frankly horrifying.”

So concerned was Dr Chauhan at the health of homeless people prior to lockdown, that he began his own charity, which initially encouraged surgeries to work harder to care for those of no fixed abode. That began with getting them to treat homeless people, previously refused medical care at practices because they did not have a permanent address.

Since its inception, Homeless-Friendly has encouraged hospitals, hospices, out-of-hours health organisations, charities, local authorities, and businesses to examine their policies and procedures and ensure that they cater for those without a home.

Dr Chauhan has been overwhelmed by the response but knows there is much to do to ease the suffering of even those on the verge of homeless. “There are far too many people living in damp and unhealthy temporary accommodation making them very vulnerable to breathing conditions” he continued, “whilst others struggling with the economic squeeze of the lockdown are experiencing anxiousness and depression about paying the mortgage. This is before they have even reached the streets where they can expect to be prone to hypothermia, malnutrition, drug addiction, falls, heart failure and of course deadly viruses.

"When will we realise that homeless people are amongst the frailest in our society and show them the compassion and respect that they deserve?”

Jim McMahon OBE, MP for Oldham West and Royton added: “We cannot forget that too often the homeless are being denied the health and care that they need, with many falling through the gap. A programme to roll out the vaccine to the homeless is vital and great to see here in Greater Manchester.”