From October 2026, all individuals aged 16 years and over who are sleeping rough or using homeless hostels or night shelters are eligible for seasonal influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in England. Vaccines are available from most pharmacies, GP practices and some outreach teams. Find out more here.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published a multi-agency toolkit for planning and delivery of vaccinations to people experiencing homelessness. This toolkit brings together evidence, national guidance, practical resources and examples of local practice to support stakeholders planning, commissioning and delivering vaccination services for this population.
In conjunction with Groundswell, the UKHSA has produced communication materials to help support access to the winter vaccination programme for people experiencing homelessness: individuals sleeping rough, or staying in hostels/night shelters.
Publications to help promote vaccination and improve uptake can be accessed and downloaded online here. You can also order paper copies online, or alternatively by calling 0300 123 1002 or emailing publichealthresources@ukhsa.gov.uk
Further resources for outreach teams to make people aware of the vaccine offer, including printable 'cards' can be accessed here.
Webinar: supporting vaccination for people experiencing homelessness
The UKHSA will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday 27th October, 2-3pm to launch these materials, alongside a toolkit for multi-agency stakeholders to support local systems in improving vaccination uptake among people experiencing homelessness.
The webinar is intended for colleagues working in homelessness services and the voluntary and community sector, immunisation, public health, inclusion health, health protection, primary care, NHS provider organisations and local authorities.
It will provide an opportunity to explore how the toolkit and communications materials can be used to support local planning and delivery ahead of the autumn and winter vaccination programme.