TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Reverend R.B. Holmes says he and members of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church are doing everything to get more African Americans in Leon County vaccinated for COVID-19. On Saturday, 500 people receive doses of the Moderna vaccine at the Family Life Center in Frenchtown.
Data from The Florida department of Health shows 4,300 African Americans in Leon County have received the vaccine out of 40,000 overall vaccinated in the county. Something Holmes knows needs to change.
"We're going to turn those numbers around. Once we get more vaccinations available and accessible, we gotta do a good job of encouraging people in the neighborhoods to come out," said Holmes. "There's still some hesitation."
Robert Whitehead is one of the 4,300 vaccinated in the county, receiving his first dose on Saturday.
"It makes sure we all stay healthy, and make sure that everybody realize this is a good test, and this is how we're gonna cut down on the number of infections," said Whitehead.
When it comes to why some people have been hesitant to get the vaccine...Whitehead says people he's talked to say they need to know more about the vaccine.
"I guess people are not sure of it. But I can assure you I just had it and I feel great. And we need to do this," said Whitehead.
Reverend Holmes, part of the statewide COVID-19 task force, said their goal is to vaccinate over 70% of African Americans and other minorities across the state of FLorida by the end of the year.
