News
Columbus Urban League, OhioHealth host vaccine clinic in King-Lincoln neighborhood
Courtesy of ABC 6
By Jessi Starkey
March 27, 2021
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The push to get Central Ohio vaccinated continues this weekend as health experts pair up with community partners to make the COVID-19 vaccine more widely accessible to everyone.
Saturday, The Columbus Urban League paired up with OhioHealth to give out 240 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to community members on Mt. Vernon Ave.
“I had a 10:15 appointment,” David Webb said. “I just walked up and came right in. I’ve only been here about 20 minutes.”
Webb described his appointment as quick and easy. He said he is thankful for one more step toward normalcy, but he’s still planning to be cautious.
“I’ve been missing family and friends,” Webb said. “I’m still going to keep my mask on.”
Black and brown communities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The goal is to make the vaccine more accessible, especially to those who face systemic disparities.
“We want more people, because of those disparities to come and get vaccinated so we don’t lose more people in our community,” Columbus Urban League President Stephanie Hightower said. “We know the life expectancy for black people has gone down again because of COVID-19.”
Not everyone can take off of work during the week to go get a vaccine. People also may face hurdles with childcare or transportation.
“If you can, get the vaccine,” Hightower said. “I’ve taken it. It is safe. I didn’t have any side effects or anything.”
OhioHealth is working alongside them, to eliminate barriers.
“OhioHealth’s goal is to allow equal access to the vaccine,” Operations Director Becca Barbeau said. “We are really trying to focus on zip codes that may not have the means to reach the vaccine.”
It can be frustrating to get an appointment. OhioHealth says keep trying. You can sign up for a MyChart account, even if you are not a registered patient. You can also call their hotline at 614-533-6999 for help.
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