National and municipal health officials received the Covid-19 vaccine booster at a pediatric clinic in Upper Manhattan on Monday.
This is with the aim of promoting the booster vaccine and thus helping to bridge the gap in the rate of injection, especially among children.
“What matters is getting vaccinated,” said Xavier Becerra, secretary of the federal government’s Department of Health and Social Services.
Especially with the new updated dose.
“To fight not only the original covid but the most contagious variant, now is the time,” the official added.
“I got my updated COVID-19 vaccine today at a New York clinic! I join patients and providers to talk about the importance of all people over the age of 12 getting this new vaccine as soon as possible. with a busy schedule, it’s time to get the free vaccine: make your appointment! ” Becerra wrote in a message on social media.
I got my updated COVID-19 vaccine today at a clinic in New York! I joined with patients and providers to talk about the importance of all 12+ get this new vaccine as soon as possible. Even with a busy schedule, there is time to get your free vaccine – make your appointment! pic.twitter.com/cAQSMhnf5z
– Secretary Xavier Becerra (@SecBecerra) September 19, 2022
According to city data, only 30% of eligible Latino adults received this boosted dose.
Not only that, the disparity among children under the age of 5 is even greater, since only 3% have received a dose of the vaccine.
Ready to be vaccinated.
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Among the parents who still do not dare to vaccinate their children is Albania Almonte, mother of 5 children aged between 3 and 20 years.
Although she and most of her family have the vaccine, she is afraid to vaccinate the little ones.
“I’m afraid it will damage children’s brains,” Almonte said.
Eradicating this fear has been one of the government’s biggest challenges.
And that’s why the city, through the Public Health Corps program, has partnered with nearly 100 communities and religious organizations in the most vulnerable areas to empower and educate New Yorkers.
“It is impossible to achieve public health goals without a partnership with these organizations,” said Dr Ashwin Vasan, the city’s health commissioner.
And in the Pediatrics 2000 clinic, they try to eliminate the vaccine myths spread on social media.
“Knowing that covid is still present in our communities, it is highly contagious and our communities suffer from many chronic health problems, such as diabetes, hypertension,” said Dr. Juan Tapia.
“There are complications of all kinds that are avoided with the vaccine,” added Dr. Ramon Tallaj, founder and president of SOMOS Community Care.
To find a vaccination center near you, you can call 877-829-4692) or visit the website vaccinofinder.nyc.gov
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