RICHMOND, Calif. (KRON) – Fear of getting the highly transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19 now outweighs concerns of some Richmond residents about the potential side effects associated with the vaccine.
“I don’t want to get it,” said Paula Greene. “Yes, I don’t want it.”
It took Paula Greene more than half a year to be vaccinated. Your opinion about the vaccine will have developed over time.
“I was the person who said, ‘Oh no – I don’t get it. They put stuff in our system and you know, all that YouTube stuff and stuff, ”Greene said. “But I strongly recommend that people get it because the side effects are nothing compared to the actual virus.”
The non-profit organizations Lifelong Medical Care and Lifesteps joined forces on Saturday to create a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic.
It took place in the common room of the Monterey Pines Apartments.
The Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines were given.
Appointments were available – but walk-ins were accepted.
The nonprofits that target blacks and browns have often been underserved to get a chance.
“Since seeing more of their peers and neighbors, they are more willing to get vaccinated,” said Alliayiah Smith.
16 people were vaccinated in the clinic. This may sound like a small number, but it actually makes a big difference.
74.5% of Contra Costa County’s residents ages 12 and older are fully vaccinated. But underserved communities like Richmond are struggling to keep up – even though the numbers are improving.
Last month, less than 60% of the population was fully vaccinated, but that number rose to 71.1%.
“Keep your safety so that no one gets this virus in you again,” said Antonio Avellar.
The clinic will return to the apartment complex on August 21st.
Then patients will be given their second dose of the vaccine and will be fully vaccinated.