THE Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) has begun to offer Covid-19 vaccinations to some of the most vulnerable people in our community – the region’s homeless population.

In total, it is estimated that around 270 homeless people across the Trust area are set to receive the first dose of the Covid-19 Vaccine within the next two weeks.

Western Trust Homeless Service lead, Paula Devine, who is jointly coordinating the Trust's efforts to vaccinate people who are homeless, said it is really important that they are protected from the virus.

Ms. Devine said: “Many people who are homeless may suffer from multiple health issues and could therefore be classed as clinically vulnerable.

“Although the area does not have as visible a problem with homelessness as some other areas, the issue of ‘unseen’ homelessness exists, with people living in hostels, sheltered accommodation and B&Bs, as well as those who ‘sofa surf’.”

The targeted programme is a collaborative effort between Trusts to ensure no one slips through the net and to ensure all recipients are able to get both doses of the vaccine.

This is made more difficult due to the fact that some people may move from one place to another from week-to-week.

The delivery of vaccines in the Western Trust will be managed using a combination of mobile units and scheduled appointments. Vaccines for those who are homeless will also be provided using a ‘doorstep’ delivery approach.

Vaccination teams will deliver to facilities such as hostels, day shelter facilities, crash facilities, non-standard accommodation facilities, and to those sleeping rough. Anyone who is not living in fixed accommodation will be eligible to receive the vaccine.

The move to target these particularly vulnerable people is in tandem with the trusts’ ongoing work to continue rolling out vaccinations.

Those who meet the eligibility criteria can book their vaccination by visiting the online booking portal https://covid-19.hscni.net/get-vaccinated/; or by calling the regional booking line at 0300 200 7813 from Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm.a

Anyone invited to attend one of the Mass Vaccination Centres is reminded to wear a face covering (unless exempt for medical reasons), to adhere to social distancing rules and bring along their booking reference number, ID and, if possible their Health and Care Number (HCN).