TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Florida A&M University's new vaccine clinic aimed at underserved communities is opening in less than a week. It means more people will have access to COVID-19 protection even if they don't have internet access.
The Al Lawson Center will be the first site in Leon where people can walk-up and register on the spot for a COVID-19 vaccine. FAMU President Dr. Larry Robinson received his second dose of the vaccine on Friday at the Al Lawson Center.
"Our communities won't be safe unless you get vaccinated," said Dr. Larry Robinson, the president of FAMU. "People at your home won't be safe. Get vaccinated as soon as you can. The whole idea of having it here on Florida A & M's campus is that it makes us accessible."
FAMU will be giving out 200 Moderna vaccines every day, seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
In a month, the rollout will increase to 400 daily doses to ensure people get their second rounds as well. Dr. Robinson strongly insists there is no reason those eligible should not want protection against the deadly virus nor take advantage of this free offer.
"We consider ourselves a trusted member in this community," said Dr. Robinson. "We are strongly endorsing and encouraging people to get vaccinated. If you haven't done so, please do it as soon as possible."
FAMU will also set up an online registration site for people with internet access. Dr. Robinson said it shouldn't impact walk-ins. The Department of Health reports 68 percent of the county's seniors have already been vaccinated so far, although one demographic is still lagging behind.
"We're at 28 percent black individuals 65-plus vaccinated," said Leon DOH Officer Claudia Blackburn. "A huge disparity and we need to continue to work on that."
Blackburn said the county won't be able to roll out to another tier until they finish with at least 80 percent of the county's seniors.
If you have a vaccine appointment but need a ride, you can go on a StarMetro bus. All you have to do is show proof of your appointment. If you don't have an appointment, you can take advantage of the county's volunteer ride system by clicking here.
