For many people in Greater Manchester, visiting a GP surgery or pharmacy for a jab simply isn’t possible
With winter around the corner, the NHS is stepping up efforts to get flu and Covid vaccines to people who may struggle to access them – and who may be at greater risk of becoming seriously unwell.
Health teams across Greater Manchester are running extra clinics, drop-in sessions and even home visits to make sure vulnerable residents can get protected ahead of the colder months.
It comes as cold and flu cases rise across the country. Last month, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned of an “unusually early” spike in flu cases, with a mutated strain called H3N2 driving the rise.
As flu cases began to rise, the NHS issued an urgent ‘flu jab SOS’, urging those eligible to get vaccinated against the virus.
But for many people, visiting a GP surgery or pharmacy simply isn’t possible. Irregular shift work, no paid leave, caring responsibilities, being housebound or experiencing homelessness can all create major barriers to healthcare.
The NHS says these groups face a far higher risk from winter viruses, especially those living on the streets who are more likely to have long-term health conditions.
Dr Helen Wall, Clinical Director for Population Health at NHS Greater Manchester, said: “We always encourage everyone who’s eligible to get their winter vaccinations to help keep people well and prevent serious illness. But we recognise that for some people, their circumstances make it difficult to simply book an appointment.
“That includes people experiencing homelessness, who often face the biggest barriers to healthcare and are at greater risk of becoming seriously unwell.”
“That’s why we’ve set up extra drop-in clinics and arranged home visits for those who can’t leave their house or book appointments – because everyone has the right to be protected against these viruses.”
She added that vaccines remain the “best defence” against flu and Covid, with protection fading over time and the viruses changing each year.
Dedicated vaccination clinics for people experiencing homelessness have been set up at a number of hubs across Greater Manchester. Urban Village Medical Practice runs regular sessions at Barnabus Day Centre in the city centre, the Booth Centre in Cheetham Hill and the Cornerstone Day Centre in Hulme. In Stockport, The Wellspring hosts walk-in flu vaccine clinics every Monday, with more outreach taking place in local hostels.
Staff at these centres often sit down with people over a hot drink to talk through any worries they may have about vaccination – something many haven’t felt able to do with a healthcare professional in years.
Extra drop-in clinics are also being held at community hubs to help people work their vaccinations around busy schedules. Langworthy Medical Practice, for example, is offering daily sessions at the Salford British Legion on Langworthy Road, with both booked and walk-in appointments available.
NHS Greater Manchester is also working alongside organisations involved in the A Bed Every Night (ABEN) programme, which provides safe, self-contained accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. The NHS says having stable housing makes it easier for people to access healthcare, including winter vaccines.
Migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum are also being supported, with translated information, outreach clinics and multilingual staff helping to reduce language barriers.
Meanwhile, housebound people – who are often at even greater risk from flu and Covid – are being contacted directly to arrange home visits. Carers or support workers are encouraged to be present to help residents feel safe and reassured.
Who can get a flu or Covid vaccine this winter?
Flu vaccine eligibility includes:
- Pregnant women
- Children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2025
- School-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
- Over-65s
- People with certain long-term health conditions
- Care home residents
- Unpaid carers and main carers
- Close contacts of immunocompromised people
- Frontline social care workers without an employer-led scheme
Covid-19 vaccine eligibility includes:
- Older adult care home residents
- People aged 75 and over
- Anyone aged six months to 74 with a weakened immune system
Housebound residents in Greater Manchester will be contacted directly, but anyone concerned they’ve been missed can call the region’s NHS Care Gateway team on 0161 947 0770 or 0800 092 4020.
