Health department will provide free hepatitis A vaccinations to the homeless Wednesday in Chattanooga

Hixson resident Donna Wilson, left, receives immunization shots for typhoid and hepatitis A and B from LPN Denise Morris at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department. Ms. Morris said that 85 percent of the vaccines she distributes to adults are for overseas travel.
Hixson resident Donna Wilson, left, receives immunization shots for typhoid and hepatitis A and B from LPN Denise Morris at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department. Ms. Morris said that 85 percent of the vaccines she distributes to adults are for overseas travel.

The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department will provide free hepatitis A vaccinations to members of the homeless population at the Chattanooga Public Library's downtown branch on Wednesday.

Shots will be available without appointment from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Hepatitis A infected more than 50 people in Hamilton County and claimed the lives of two Tennesseans last year during a multi-state outbreak that started in 2017.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while anyone can get hepatitis A certain groups of people are at higher risk, such as:

  • People with direct contact with someone who has hepatitis A;
  • Travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common;
  • Men who have sexual contact with men;
  • People who use drugs, both injection and non-injection drugs;
  • Household members or caregivers of a recent adoptee from countries where hepatitis A is common;
  • People with clotting factor disorders, such as hemophilia.

For more information on hepatitis A, contact the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department at 423-209-8000.

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