LYNCHBURG, Va. – President Joe Biden declared June a ‘National Month of Action’ to take aim at the coronavirus pandemic and urge Americans to get vaccinated.
Striving to reach his goal of getting at least one COVID-19 shot into the arms of 70% of the nation’s adults by July 4, the president unveiled a five-part plan, which included steps to make it easier to get the vaccine and incentives.
In response to the president’s call to action, local health officials are doubling down on their efforts to get their communities vaccinated as well.
“We are there to serve, and so we hope that lots of folks are encouraged by the presidential announcement and are ready and willing to come out and get vaccinated,” said Centra Health Senior Director Tabatha Sprouse.
Centra Health in Lynchburg will host its final mass vaccination clinic Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the old TJ Maxx at Candler’s Station.
All three shots will be available: the one dose Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer, which can be given to kids as young as 12.
“We’ve had the vaccine in our area since mid-December, so a lot of folks have been vaccinated, and we’ve done well,” said Sprouse. “It’s really our chance to build immunity in our community.”
Centra said it’s prepared to serve about 500 people. People seeking a shot can schedule an appointment online, but don’t necessarily need one to stop by and get a dose.
Health officials said right now about 45% of people in Virginia are fully vaccinated. They said they’ve seen a bit of a slow down in demand since those most eager to get their shots have already had them.
“Some of it could be just the hesitancy and reluctance,” said Sprouse. “We’re hoping that people have given it some time that they’ve been able to talk to their loved ones and talk to their primary care provides and really get their questions answered.”
It’s why Centra is giving the community an opportunity to build immunity.
The CDC said that 52% of adults are fully vaccinated, including 75% of all seniors. The pandemic has taken the lives of nearly 600,000 Americans since the beginning of last year. The president’s goal is to lead the nation into a “summer of freedom.”