Almshouse Access to the Coronavirus Vaccine
The Almshouse Association has been working hard to get clearer guidance from national Government regarding access to the Covid-19 vaccine.
This has included conversations with representatives of the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government as well as supportive MPs and Lords.
Efforts have been underway to see all forms of supported housing have priority when it comes to testing and vaccination. We now understand that vaccination will begin on frontline social care workers directly working with vulnerable people who need care and support in any setting, including supported housing. This also encompasses those supported housing providers who don’t deliver a registered care service. The vaccination would most likely take place at one of the newly designated “hospital hubs”.
The Almshouse Association believes that members should contact their local authorities to make sure they are aware of the new directive, which they should have received from the Government, to ensure that your staff are included in the rollout. Many almshouses will meet the criteria for priority stated in the directive:
“Frontline social care workers directly working with vulnerable people who need care and support irrespective of where they work (for example in hospital, people’s own homes, day centres, or supported housing); or who they are employed by (for example local government, NHS, independent sector or third sector).”
The most appropriate contact for this correspondence would be the Directors of Public Health, and the Directors of Adult Social Care. You can find your local Director of Public Health here. Finding a direct email address for these individuals can be difficult, so you may wish to send it directly to your local council if you have not previously been in touch with the Public Health team.
The Almshouse Association is in the process of writing to each Director to further support representations should they be made locally. Should you face any difficulties then please do contact The Almshouse Association.
If you have residents that are over 80, it is likely their GP already has, or will soon be contacting them about the vaccine. We would not recommend directly calling GP surgeries at this time.
Posted 18 Jan 2021