NORFOLK, Va. - VDH is targeting minority and elderly communities with vaccine clinics this week, including one Monday at the Southside STEM Academy of Campostella.
About 200 people got vaccinated. "We are aware based on our data that this community is hit very hard - both elderly and those who belong to minority populations," said Dr. Demetria Lindsay, the director of the Norfolk Health District.
The group also appears to be behind in getting vaccinated with white people receiving significantly more doses compared to other groups. VDH is working with churches and other groups to reach out to minority communities.
"We've been very excited and pleased with the interest we're seeing from the community in getting the vaccine," said Dr. Lindsay.
Overall, there's been frustration by some who are anxious and waiting to get a vaccine about the roll-out. Still, supply of doses remains lower than demand and will likely stay that way for some time. "There's a big effort to get as much of the vaccine and get as much as possible," said Lindsay. "We really ask that people be patient and we'll try to get to them as soon as possible."
Virginia's pace of administering the vaccine appears to have increased recently. Once ranked near the bottom compared to other states, Virginia is around the top ten now, according to data from the CDC.
"It's going well. We're surging up more and more," said Lindsay.
VDH is planning other clinics to focus on these same groups.