OGDEN, Utah — This weekend, a free bilingual COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be held at the Ogden City School District. It is the first of two community vaccine clinics being hosted in Ogden.
The event is being hosted by community activists in partnership with Nomi Health, the State of Utah and others.
State health data shows people of color are getting the vaccine at a much lower rate than white people.
READ: Local nonprofit educates immigrants, refugees, asylum-seeking women on COVID-19 vaccine
“Generally, there is a lack of participation in getting the vaccine because of past historic challenges and that feeling of trust in what the government is providing to us," said Betty Sawyer, the president of Ogden NAACP and director of Project Success Coalition. "And then there has just been a lot of misinformation."
This event is aimed at breaking down barriers.
“Doing clinics like this — in spaces that are comfortable, in languages that are accessible for BIPOC communities — is walking the walk. It is part of doing the work,” NAACP executive committee member Angel Castillo said.
HAPPENING SATURDAY: Free bilingual vaccine clinic at @ogdensd . Community organizers say this event is all about breaking down barriers... all you need is your name and DOB to get vaccinated, no ID, contact info, address or insurance required. @fox13 pic.twitter.com/FXhs06GkFH
— Sydney Glenn (@SydneyGlennTV) April 6, 2021
The event is free, and while people are encouraged to make an appointment, there will be walk-in availability on a first come, first serve basis. People will only be asked to provide their name and date of birth, Castillo said. People will not be required to show an ID, or provide insurance or contact information.
“The entire goal of this clinic and Governor Cox’s directive is 'shots in arms,' and so we want to make sure that we are creating a safe space for people regardless of what their passport says,” she said.
WATCH: Doctors warn against waiting to get COVID-19 Vaccine
People can make a vaccine appointment online, by texting or calling 801-888-8327 (bilingual), or by scanning the QR code on the flier.
The goal is to prevent any roadblocks in getting the vaccine, Sawyer said.
“A lot of people are doing shift work, they are doing other kinds of things that makes it difficult for them to come at a certain time," she said. "They may not have access to the same technology that other communities have."
WATCH: How some are finding vaccine appointments in days, while others wait weeks
Both the Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson vaccines will be available. This is the first of two clinics that will be offered with the potential of more if the need is there, Sawyer and Castillo agreed. Now, it's a time to remind people of the work that needs to be done, Castillo said.
"Everybody in this state should be looking at their workplaces, should be looking at their churches, looking around at the table and seeing who is not represented, and how do we invite someone to the table to make sure that communities needs are met,” she said.
LINKS: Here's how to register for a COVID-19 vaccination in Utah
Schedule:
- Sat., April 10: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Ogden City School District — 1950 Monroe Blvd., Ogden, UT 84401. (Second dose will be offered Sat., May 1)
- Sat., April 17: Noon - 8 p.m., Second Baptist Church — 227 27th St., Ogden, UT 84401. (Second dose will be offered Sat., May 8)
How to register:
- CLICK HERE to schedule a vaccine through the bilingual online portal.
- Bilingual text or call to register: 801-888-8327
- Scan QR code on fliers below:
- (both in Spanish and English)
