The Government has put £28m towards protecting those who are sleeping rough against the spread of Omicron variant of Covid-19.

The Protect and Vaccinate scheme will help to increase vaccine uptake among people who are homeless and sleeping rough, supporting those who are hesitant about getting their vital booster jabs and funding emergency accommodation to get people off the streets.

This means delivering mobile vaccinations where people are sleeping on the streets, supporting outreach work in shelters to educate people about the dangers of the virus, and giving money to councils to provide safe and secure accommodation while their level of vaccination is increased.

People in hard-to-reach communities are also being supported to get vaccinated through targeted communications from councils, homelessness organisations, faith groups and charities.

Minister for Rough Sleeping, Eddie Hughes, said: “In the wake of a surge in COVID-19 cases and a new variant, we have an even greater responsibility to protect vulnerable people.

“I’m very pleased to announce this funding today, to make sure as many people as possible are vaccinated and that councils can protect people sleeping rough and put a roof over their heads.”

While not going as far as Everyone In, it has been welcomed by homeless charities.

Rick Henderson, CEO at Homeless Link, said: “When people are rough sleeping they are extremely vulnerable to infection. In the first waves of the pandemic the Everyone In initiative saved lives.

“COVID-19 was responsible for the deaths of less than 2% of people experiencing homelessness during 2020 (as opposed to 12.1% of the general population) which showed that assertive action worked.

“We are very relieved that the government is now making funds available to ensure that in this new wave of infections, once again people experiencing homelessness will be brought into safe accommodation.

“We also know that people facing homelessness are much less likely to be vaccinated than people in the general population. They are therefore much more vulnerable to the Omicron variant. Many are not registered with GPs and don’t have access to mobile phones.

“Bringing people in to accommodation will increase the uptake of vaccinations. In addition our members, and their staff are often known and trusted by people who are otherwise very hard to reach and this in turn will also lead to higher vaccine uptake.

“Our members developed innovative ways of getting the vaccinations to people earlier this year and encouraging uptake. This included offering close aftercare support and making sure the vaccines are delivered in a familiar surroundings. We are very pleased that the Government is now supporting the sector to do this again to reach people with lifesaving booster jabs.”

Cllr David Renard, LGA housing spokesperson, said: “People living on the streets are among the most vulnerable in society, with reduced ability to self-isolate safely and are less likely to access healthcare services, with many also having underlying health conditions.

“This funding will help councils build on existing local efforts to reach out to rough sleepers, and those who are at risk of homelessness in their areas, to ensure they can safely and easily receive a vaccination.”