Operation launched to vaccinate Glasgow's homeless

An operation has been launched to ensure homeless people in Glasgow receive a Covid-19 vaccine.

Nurses are giving out jags at up to 50 locations across the city, including hotels, to ensure that vulnerable people do not “fall through the net”.

Vaccines, along with translated information, are also being offered to asylum seekers.

Jim McBride, head of Glasgow’s homeless services, said: “It’s important that homeless people get access to Covid-19 vaccines for their own protection and that of the wider community.

“We don’t want anyone in society to fall through the net and reaching people with chaotic and transient lifestyles via the usual appointment system could have been problematic.”

So far, the programme, coordinated by Glasgow’s Health and Social Care Partnership, has given the AstraZeneca vaccine to almost 550 people.

Homeless people under 30 will get their jags when an alternative vaccine is available.

The nurses, from the city’s homeless health outreach service, are visiting temporary accommodation sites, including the homeless service centre on Hunter Street and the homeless hub on Argyle Street.

Mr McBride said: “Taking the vaccine to our service users, many of whom have underlying health issues, has proved much more efficient and, I’m happy to say, it has resulted in good take-up of vaccinations.

“Our homeless health outreach team has been providing health and social care services to homeless people accommodated in hotels and other temporary accommodation throughout the pandemic.

“This is an extension of that care provision for this vulnerable group. Vaccinations are continuing, and people will be offered the second dose within 12 weeks of their first one.”

To help asylum seekers, the Health and Social Care Partnership is working with the Asylum Health Bridging Team, the British Red Cross, Mears Group and commissioned services and accommodation providers.

Frontline staff who had not yet had their first vaccine, and are working with homeless people, have also been given AstraZeneca jags.

By local democracy reporter Drew Sandelands