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State of COVID update addresses rides to vaccines, herd immunity

Posted at 6:31 PM, Feb 26, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-26 18:31:29-05

LEON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) — In this week's State of COVID update, Leon Department of Health Officer Claudia Blackburn said the county is also inching toward herd immunity among seniors.

Right now, DOH said about 72 percent of the senior population has been vaccinated so far. Herd immunity is typically found between 80 to 85 percent.

Bond Community Health CEO Dr. Temple Robinson said they're also making process fighting the virus. Robinson said they're working hard to get people who have tested positive to donate plasma to use the antibodies.

Although, the minority disparity is still something the community needs to work on with only about 11 percent of people in the county vaccinated being African Americans.

"That disturbed me because we have a large percentage of African American professionals and highly educated African-Americans and that really shows why the activities of this task force are going to be so important," said Robinson.

Leon Emergency Management Director Kevin Peters gave an update on free rides for people who need transportation to their vaccine appointments. Leon County is now launching a new partnership through VolunteerLeon, United Way, Big Bend 211 and Lyft.

You're only eligible if you're going to get the shot at a participating pharmacy (like CVS), grocery store (Walmart or Publix are both offering vaccines) or to the walk-up site at the Al Lawson Center.

To schedule a pick-up, call (850) 617-6325.