Area officials are pushing to make sure underserved populations, both within the city and around the region, are being given a chance to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
They’re working to dispel any concerns with the vaccine, especially among populations of color, which have been shown to be more hesitant to seek it and disproportionately at risk to contract the novel coronavirus. They're also working to overcome communication barriers, and provide comfort to those who may be intimidated by a language barrier.
On Tuesday, Dutchess County, the City of Poughkeepsie and the Mexican Consulate teamed up to hold a pop-up vaccination clinic at 70 South Hamilton St. in Poughkeepsie, at which officials also educated attendees on other services available to them. At least 50 Spanish-speaking residents showed up within the first hour on Tuesday to be vaccinated, and a second clinic is scheduled for Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.