Homeless people in Shrewsbury getting Covid jabs in vaccination scheme
A council has been running a programme to vaccinate rough sleepers and the homeless against coronavirus.
The programme, in Shrewsbury, has seen more than 70 people receive their first dose of the Covid vaccine so far.
Working with the Riverside Medical Practice in Shrewsbury, The Shrewsbury Ark and Shropshire Recovery Partnership, Shropshire Council said it has been offering the vaccine to rough sleepers and those who are homeless over the past three weeks.
The government announced on Thursday that homeless people across the country should now be prioritised for the vaccine.
Friday saw 27 people vaccinated at the Prince Rupert Hotel in Shrewsbury, which has been set up as a temporary vaccination location, taking the total number of people vaccinated to 77.
Shropshire Council said its rough sleeper outreach workers have been working closely with Riverside Medical Practice to support those currently living at the Prince Rupert Hotel and in other B&Bs across the county, to get their jabs.
Proud
Laura Fisher, Shropshire Council’s service manager for housing and occupational therapy, said: “I am very proud that we had already began our vaccination programme for rough sleepers and those who are homeless, prior to the Government’s announcement.
“Those who sleep rough and are at risk of homelessness are some of the most vulnerable people in society and need our help and support.
"Being vaccinated will also provide additional protection to those who work closely with them and the wider population, as well as keeping them safe and at less risk if they do contract the virus.
“I would also like to thank our officers; and in particular, the staff from Riverside Medical Practice who have been absolutely fantastic in the way they have organised and worked with the individuals, to ensure they receive their vaccinations quickly and safely.”
Paul, 52, who is currently staying at the Prince Rupert, spoke of his relief at having received the vaccination.
He said the experience had been "straightforward".
He said: “It’s a relief. I got a little bit stressed watching the news and knowing a couple of the age groups that they spoke about. I didn’t actually hear about the 52, so I got a little bit worried, so it’s a relief.
“It was straightforward, I didn’t even feel it to be honest with you. Mind you, saying that, I’ve got a bit of a numbness in my arm right now, but that’s about it.
“I’m looking forward to possibly getting my own accommodation and, that way, probably stepping forward instead of backwards in my life.”
