11 March 2021
Many people who are homeless or sleeping rough are likely to have underlying health conditions which would place them in priority group 6. These are likely to be under-diagnosed or not properly reflected in GP records.
Due to current restrictions, many thousands of people who sleep rough have been housed in emergency accommodation. This provides a unique opportunity to offer vaccination to those often unable to access basic healthcare.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (
JCVI) advises that local teams consider a universal offer to adults experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping alongside those in priority group 6.
They should also be offered the vaccine without the need for an NHS number or GP registration.
The WHO report makes the case that by users being able to add their own ingredients to vapes, e-cigarettes could actually be more harmful. It highlights vape products which allow users to modify their device, allowing users to “control device features and liquid ingredients”. A potential ban would affect over 2.4 million vapers in the UK.
A potential ban would affect over 2.4 million vapers in the UK. (Canva) Clive Bates said: “The advice is completely irresponsible and bizarre. “If governments take it seriously, they will be protecting the cigarette trade, encouraging smoking and adding to a huge toll of cancer, heart and lung disease. Something has gone badly wrong here.”