SEATTLE — About 200 African Americans and Somali-Americans got their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine at the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic.
It’s part of an effort by Seattle Children’s Hospital to vaccinate underserved populations hit hard by COVID-19.
There was some apprehension about doing this. But people showed up here anyway, eager to take a major step toward conquering the coronavirus.
The Somali-American traveled to the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic with Living Well Kent, a nonprofit devoted to health equity for immigrants.
Sahra Mumin couldn’t hide her apprehension. “Because of the nervousness and everything,” she said.
“Even my daughter was like, ‘Mom, why are you taking it so quickly? Can you wait? Can you let everybody else take it first?’” she said.
Others in the immigrant and underserved communities hit hard by COVID-19 have been fearful of taking the vaccine too.
Living Well Kent is working to change that.
“And we help them to understand what’s going on with the vaccine,” said Claudia Cortes, Living Well Kent’s operational manager assistant. “And to help them understand why it’s good for them and for all of us.”
At least for some who were here, the message is well received.
“There’s no reason to be concerned at all,” said John Worku of Seattle, after getting his first shot. “I mean, get your shot. It’s about as easy as it gets.”
But some said even this isn’t nearly enough to reach the African American community, suffering disproportionately from the deadly virus — still suspicious of the medical community.
“There’s plenty of organizations like Tabor 100, Urban League, you know, NAACP and all that,” said Jim Buchanan, Central Area. “And none of that is offered to them.”
Soon enough, it was Mumin’s turn.
Now she’s among the 1.5 million Washington residents who have got at least one shot of the vaccine.
“Like the flu shot was more painful than this,” Mumin said. “But it was good. Thank you!”
In fact, she said she felt quite good after getting her first shot.
She and everybody else who was here got an appointment for the second shot in three weeks. That will be Sunday, March 21.