Vaccination clinics set up for town’s rough sleepers

Warrington’s homeless men and women had been identified by local clinicians as being high risk and the council is supporting the initiative by hosting the vaccination clinics.

Homeless people are being prioritised as part of the town’s vaccine rollout as they are more vulnerable to coronavirus, given that they live in accommodation with others, making risk of transmission high and many are in a clinically extremely vulnerable group. This will also help to protect the staff working alongside them on a day-to-day basis. 

Working with Eric Moore Partnership Medical Practice, we have been able to reach out and offer the vaccine to those who are sleeping rough or in sheltered/emergency accommodation. The vaccine rollout has also included those living in temporary accommodation in Museum Street, Haven House and James Lee House. 

Staff working at these commissioned services are supporting those staying in the accommodation to follow the rules to protect themselves and others from the spread of the virus. This includes good hand hygiene, wearing face coverings, thorough cleaning of the premises and rooms, appropriate use of PPE, and maintaining a safe social distance where possible.

Labour Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for housing, public health and wellbeing, said: “We’re committed to protecting our most vulnerable people, including rough sleepers and those living in temporary accommodation.

“This is a harsh winter made harsher by the coronavirus pandemic, and we are trying to reach people who are homeless and offer them some protection along with accommodation. We are delighted to be working with our health partners to ensure that our homeless men and women are vaccinated and protected against coronavirus.

“I’d like to thank council officers and our partners for their close working to engage with our homeless people sleeping rough or in accommodation, to help people take up the vaccine. In particular, I’m grateful to Eric Moore Medical Practice for their hard work to support some of our town’s most vulnerable people.”

To find out more about coronavirus in Warrington, visit warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus