Tens of thousands of people experiencing homelessness are now eligible for free NHS vaccines to protect against flu and pneumococcal diseases, though the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned of wider supply delays due to updates to the vaccines.
The NHS announced today that from this week, NHS teams will be partnering with charities to deliver vaccinations to those sleeping rough or using homeless shelters.
Pop-up clinics, mobile vans and one-stop health services
The national programme will include “NHS pop-up clinics and mobile vans” located in “homeless hotspots” to ensure maximum coverage and protection ahead of this winter. Outreach events will also be hosted at homeless shelters with vaccination teams in attendance to help with the rollout.
NHS teams will also be providing “one-stop-shop health services alongside the vaccinations”. For example, homeless individuals in Bournemouth will also be offered “cancer checks, podiatry and sexual health services”.
Read more: Expanded pharmacy children’s flu vac service launching this year
People experience homelessness who are registered at a GP or community pharmacy can also get vaccinated there.
Chair of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) Olivier Picard said the body was “really proud of the role pharmacies are playing protecting those experiencing homelessness from flu this year” and called it “a valuable service for some of the most vulnerable in society”.
Read more: ‘Removing barriers’: Asda offers 6,000 free private flu jabs
Chief Executive of the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) Malcolm Harrison said that “People experiencing homelessness face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, despite having some of the greatest health needs.”
“With a strong presence in the country’s most deprived communities, community pharmacies are ideally placed to provide accessible healthcare and vaccination, without the need for an appointment,” he added.
Expected supply delays
However, health watchdog the UKHSA has warned that alongside many European countries, England is “expecting supply delays, or more limited volumes of certain vaccines for their flu vaccination programmes this year”.
This is due to all three flu virus vaccines requiring an update from last year to give better protection against the strains “most likely to be circulating”.
“Over 90%” of pharmacies offering vaccinations
Head of policy at the CCA Nick Thayer said the body “are aware that there have been some challenges with the supply of flu vaccines” but remain “confident that there will be sufficient supply to meet patient demand over the course of the season”.
The NPA’s chief executive Henry Gregg said that “over 90%” of pharmacies have begun vaccinating against flu and covid.
Read more: Only around half of primary school children received flu jab in 2025
He said that while the majority of NPA members in England report having “sufficient supply to begin their vaccine campaigns”, the body is urging NHS England and the UKHSA to “closely monitor supply in the coming weeks to ensure all appointments made in pharmacies can be fulfilled”.
He also said that the NPA “are aware that some pharmacies in Northern Ireland are not yet opening private bookings, to try and manage supply”.
Read more: CSL Seqirus providing additional flu vaccines following stock disruption
It comes after Community Pharmacy England announced an expanded pharmacy service for children’s flu vaccinations this year.
And it follows Asda announcing last month that it will offer 6,000 free private flu vaccinations nationwide to remove “barriers” to getting protected.
