The City of Lexington launched a campaign at Consolidated Baptist Church on Friday encouraging the public to get vaccinated. Reaching underserved communities is also part of the vaccine campaign. African American faith leaders were inoculated at the church’s vaccine site.
In Lexington, vaccination rates among people of color are much lower than vaccination rates among whites. Black residents make up 14% of Lexington’s population, but have accounted for 21% of all COVID-19 deaths.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear spoke to the pastors and said acknowledging the long history of inequities and racial discrimination was critical to ensuring that communities trust the vaccine’s safety.
Pastor Michael Zachary says publicly receiving the vaccine will ease some of his parishioners’ fears.
“I think it would be something positive for them to know that their leader would take the stand first and get the shot, so I wanted to do that for them.”
Pastor Thomas Clark of House of God received his shot to show his congregation that the vaccine is safe.
“I’m very happy about the initiative to do this and I will be spreading the word to the congregation and others that are in need of the vaccination.” :09
The Lexington Fayette County Health Department’s call center provides referrals for anyone who needs transportation to a vaccine appointment.
