Salisbury-based charity, ALABARÉ, is welcoming the Government’s plans to provide free flu jabs to people experiencing homelessness from this Autumn.
The vaccinations, provided by the NHS, will offer an additional layer of protective care for those sleeping rough or in contact with drop-in services, such as ALABARÉ Place in Salisbury and Unity House in Chippenham.
The rollout will sit alongside free flu jabs for other groups vulnerable to serious illness, including those over the age of 65, pregnant women, and people with long-term or immunosuppressed health conditions, and their carers.
Within ALABARÉ services, many clients present with underlying health issues, often exacerbated by exposure to extreme temperatures, a lack of shelter and appropriate equipment, and reduced access to NHS care.
Coupled with a bout of flu over the winter period, these factors mean there’s a higher risk that the illness could become extremely serious, or even potentially fatal, so the prospect of increased immunity will be gratefully received.
A more widespread rollout of flu jabs can better protect ALABARÉ colleagues, their families, and the general public by preventing the spread of the illness while helping to ease pressure on the NHS at a traditionally busy time.
ALABARÉ would like to work alongside the Government to ensure the free flu jabs are getting to the right people, while taking into account that the homeless community are less likely to access NHS care.
The charity’s experience with those who are experiencing homelessness leaves them well placed to offer advice and guidance on maximising the uptake and success of the rollout, to support the health needs of those at some of the greatest risk.
Alex Cattlelona, Head of Homelessness Services at ALABARÉ, said, “Increasing access to the free flu jabs on the NHS is a very welcome development from the Government and has the potential to save lives. Across England, more than 1,600 people died while they were sleeping rough in 2025. While there’s no indication that flu was a factor in those fatalities, anything that can help to prevent serious illness amongst those experiencing homelessness is a positive step.
“ALABARÉ stands ready to support the rollout of vaccinations this Autumn, including offering spaces to set up clinics, raising awareness with our clients, and ensuring the take-up is as strong as possible to protect themselves and the wider community.”
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