IN a UK first Oldham leaders and GPs will give homeless people priority access to the Covid-19 vaccine.

Oldham council has defied Government guidance with Councillor Dr Zahid Chauhan, Cabinet Member for Health and Social care, spearheading a plan to vaccinate homeless people across borough.

Dr Chauhan, a GP who has worked on the frontline throughout the pandemic as well as running the homeless charity Homeless Friendly, is calling on other local authorities to follow suit.

He said: "Unfortunately Oldham, like towns and cities across the country does have people who are homeless – many through no fault of their own.

"People living on the streets, or those who have no permanent address, are some of the most vulnerable people in society and need help and support.

"Because they live on the streets they can also come into contact with a large number of people, which means if they have Coronavirus there is a big risk they could pass it on to others. That's why it is important they are offered the vaccine.

"We also know that most people who are homeless have experienced a lot of trauma, both prior to and during homelessness.

"That means they may have good reasons for not trusting healthcare providers and people in authority. They may also hear misinformation on the street.

"But our message is the same to everyone – the vaccination is safe and if you are offered it please take it up as you are helping protect yourselves, your family, friends and the wider community."

Homeless charities throughout the UK are now calling for a rethink on where people without a permanent home are placed on priority lists.

In a recent Tweet Dr Chauhan wrote: "I am so proud of Oldham. We are finding solutions for national problems locally."

Plans to get homeless people in Oldham vaccinated are currently underway.