LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — After a homeless person in Lexington tested positive for hepatitis A, the Catholic Action Center decided to require everyone who stays there to be vaccinated against the disease.
But ahead of instituting that requirement, they’re offering free hepatitis A vaccinations.
The co-founder of the CAC says they home to vaccinate 150 on Sunday. She says starting Aug. 6, no one can stay at the center without proof of vaccination.
Ginny Ramsey says the Fayette County Health Department will be at the center from 1 to 5 p.m. to administer the free vaccines.
The vaccines will be available at the CAC for anyone who can’t make it out Sunday.
Ramsey says the homeless population is vulnerable to the disease because of health issues that put them at risk as well as the close quarters in which they often live.
"These are our family, and we’re here to keep them safe and respected," Ramsey says. "And many of them cannot go other places to get the vaccines."
Ramsey said the reaction by the center’s clients has been positive and that they’re happy to have their health concerns taken seriously.
