Supporting vaccination of people experiencing homelessness
A multi-agency toolkit for planning and delivery of vaccinations to people experiencing homelessness
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People experiencing homelessness face some of the worst health outcomes in society, reflecting increased need but also limited access to and engagement with healthcare services. Improving vaccination uptake in this population represents a high-impact prevention opportunity that supports Core20PLUS5, inclusion health priorities and wider initiatives to reduce avoidable healthcare utilisation, as well as objectives of the Rough Sleeping Programme and infectious disease elimination agendas.
In 2026, following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, all individuals aged 16 years and over sleeping rough or using homeless hostels or night shelters became eligible for seasonal influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in England. People in these groups may also be considered for hepatitis A and B vaccine in certain circumstances. Other vaccines may be offered opportunistically to the wider population experiencing homelessness in line with national guidance, particularly where vaccination history is uncertain.
This toolkit brings together evidence, national guidance, practical resources and examples of local practice to support stakeholders planning, commissioning and delivering vaccination services for this population. It includes suggested actions for integrated care boards (ICBs), local authority public health and housing teams, healthcare providers (primary and secondary care and community pharmacies) and other service providers, including outreach teams, substance misuse services, accommodation settings and voluntary and community sector organisations.