Oldham Council have announced that they will be the first council in the country to offer the Covid-19 vaccine to people who have no fixed homed.
The Council has been administering the vaccine to the over 80s for some weeks now, but the Council insists that the most vulnerable in their area must include those affected by homelessness.
Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, Councillor Zahid Chauhan, said:
“Unfortunately Oldham, like towns and cities across the country does have people who are homeless – many through no fault of their own.
“People living on the streets, or those who have no permanent address, are some of the most vulnerable people in society and need help and support.
“Because they live on the streets they can also come into contact with a large number of people, which means if they have Coronavirus there is a big risk they could pass it on to others. That’s why it is important they are offered the vaccine.
“We also know that most people who are homeless have experienced a lot of trauma, both prior to and during homelessness.
“That means they may have good reasons for not trusting healthcare providers and people in authority. They may also hear misinformation on the street.
“But our message is the same to everyone – the vaccination is safe and if you are offered it please take it up as you are helping protect yourselves, your family, friends and the wider community.”
Oldham Council say that since the vaccine became available in the town, 3,700 people have had it, with the majority seeing no issue in receiving the vaccine.
