Bupa has announced that the Big Issue magazine vendors will receive flu vaccinations from its wellness nurses over the coming weeks to help them keep healthy over winter.
The vaccinations will be delivered at The Big Issue sites in Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth as part of a program that’s been in place since 2018.
The company said the program recognises that getting access to healthcare and medication can be challenging for people experiencing homelessness or disadvantage.
"Providing the vaccinations onsite to these key members of the Big Issue team is a simple way to support their wellbeing." it said.
This year, The Big Issue celebrates 25 years of publication. Since its inception in 1996, more than 13 million copies of the magazine have been sold, putting $32 million into the pockets of thousands of its vendors living on the margins.
“We thank the entire Big Issue team for their care, compassion and incredible work bringing our community together on important social issues over the past 25 years,” said Julie Bissinella, Bupa’s director of community engagement.
“Ensuring easy access to flu vaccinations is a small way we can help The Big Issue vendors to stay healthy over the Australian winter.
“We also encourage all of our people and customers to pick up a copy of the Big Issue each fortnight to support this much-loved social enterprise,” said Ms Bissinella.
CEO of The Big Issue, Steven Persson said flu vaccinations are important but often harder for vendors to access due to a variety of factors.
“As we return to the streets and celebrate a milestone 25th year, being vaccinated against the flu will help our vendors with their overall wellbeing and help to keep them working safely.
“Resources such as flu vaccinations can be difficult for those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage to access. This is the fourth year Bupa has offered flu vaccinations for our vendors, and we are thankful for their support,” he added.