Local NAACP hosts COVID-19 vaccination clinic
During the vaccination clinic at the NAACP headquarters, 200 people received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Last weekend the Winston-Salem NAACP headquarters was transformed into a COVID-19 vaccination site. Ahead of the vaccine clinic held on Saturday, March 13, 200 people pre-registered to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The clinic was held in collaboration with the local NAACP, the Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Novant Health and the volunteer organization Women-In-Action The event was open to healthcare workers, senior citizens, and frontline essential workers. Participants had to pre-register online and schedule an appointment.
On the day of the clinic, participants were greeted at the door with temperature checks and hand sanitizer before making their way inside to receive the vaccine.
When discussing the clinic, president of the local NAACP, Al Jabbar, said it felt good to be able to bring the clinic to the people. “We want the people to know we’re a resource for the community, so we were excited when we had the opportunity to host a vaccine clinic here,” he said.
Jabbar said although he understands why there is some skepticism when it comes to receiving vaccines, especially in the Black community, he got the vaccine and is encouraging other people to do the same. Jabbar mentioned he received the Moderna vaccine a few weeks ago and aside from a little soreness in his arm where he received the shot, he didn’t show any side effects
“I was skeptical. I’m 73 years old, so I remember what happened in the past,” he said. “But we have to understand that this could save lives, so I’ve been encouraging people to get it.”
Clinical Director of the Department of Health, Edwin Marshall, said after seeing where we were at this time last year, being able to vaccinate thousands of people in one day is like a dream come true. Over the weekend, the Department of Health also held a vaccine clinic at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, where close to 8,000 people received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
“I’ve seen this come full circle from beginning to end,” Marshall said. “Hopefully we’re on our way out of this, but it feels great to be able to deliver the education and protection that’s needed.”
The Forsyth County Department of Public Health announces openings available to receive the vaccine throughout the week. For more information, visit https://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/publichealth/, or “Forsyth County Department of Public Health” on Facebook.
