NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Sentara Healthcare hosted two large-scale COVID-19 vaccine clinics Saturday, with a goal of administering 10,000 doses to eligible individuals in Hampton Roads.
The clinics were by appointment only on Saturday, Jan. 30.
Health officials say they are contacting people in the Phase 1b vaccination group directly to schedule an appointment. No walk-ins allowed.
The weekend clinics were held at the Norfolk Scope Arena and the Hampton Convention Center in Hampton from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., with each expected to vaccinate roughly 5,000 eligible individuals with an emphasis on underserved minority populations for whom access may be a challenge.
Eligible Sentara Medical Group (SMG) patients who are 65 and older, as well as underserved minority populations, will be vaccinated.
“We understand the many challenges facings those in underserved communities, including access to a COVID-19 vaccine,” said Iris Lundy, director of Health Equity for Sentara Healthcare.
“We are building trust, sharing educational resources, and getting the word out through these organizations that the vaccine is safe, and we are committed to offering the vaccine to these high-risk individuals in the appropriate phase group as supply allows.”
Each vaccine clinic will have more than 60 trained shot administrators, including volunteer medical students.
Lundy says efficient and equitable distribution is one of their top priorities.
“I think people think we in the black and brown community don’t want the vaccine. We do. I mean look we have a ton of them coming in to get this vaccine. and if this part is aired, I want people to know this vaccine is safe. We need it in our community. I’m a grandma I cannot wait to be able to throw my arms around my grandkids again and this is the first step to that process,” said Lundy.
Lundy says they’ve reached out to Norfolk’s Hispanic resource center, Spanish speaking churches, and other organizations of color to help get people into their clinics.
“For those who still are afraid, we’re doing education Sentara’s reaching out. We’ve got physicians doing education with anyone who wants it,” Lundy stated.
These locations were selected in partnership with the City of Norfolk and the City of Hampton and are based in areas with high health equity needs.
The locations were selected in partnership with the City of Norfolk and the City of Hampton and are based in areas with high health equity needs. The clinics are possible through Sentara’s partnership with local cities, health districts, colleges, and medical schools.
