The local effort to reach people who are hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine is involving partners with a focus on helping the local homeless community.
This past weekend, the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition hosted a clinic and education event at Olivet Baptist Church with the help of the Hamilton County Health Department, Arts Build and the Baptist church. The event was the second of its kind for homeless individuals and part of the citywide “Get Vaccinated Chattanooga” campaign.
Wendy Winters, executive director of the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition, said most people who wanted shots when they first became available already received their doses. The Hamilton County Health Department has administered doses at its clinic on 11th Street, and groups have visited area campsites to provide shots, Winters said. Free vaccine doses are available at the Homeless Health Care Center during the week.
Events like the one on Saturday are aimed to engage people who are hesitant or who have questions, Winters said.
“We don’t think at this point that it’s an access issue for this population but more of just misinformation and those that are left to vaccinate, which is still a lot of the population. They are the ones who are vaccine-hesitant,” she said.