The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) is recommending wearing a mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status; if you live in a county where community transmission is considered substantial, or high. Onondaga County is now on that list.
A vaccination series in Syracuse is bringing shots closer to those who haven’t gotten one yet. The summer series brings together music, food and health.
“Into the most underrepresented ZIP codes in the city where there’s been the least amount of vaccine uptick,” said Syracuse Community Health Center COO Derrick Murry.
The family health gatherings offer free vaccines in parks around the city of Syracuse. Sunday’s event was at Sankofa Park.
“I won’t say the only tool, but it’s the best tool we have to protect our community,” Murry said.
“Well my mom, she encouraged me to get vaccinated," said Ezzryanah Jeferson, who got her first shot on Sunday. “And plus, I’ve got to go back to school. And I’m more an in person learner than an online, so I would love to be back at school.”
As the delta variant continues to spread, health professionals recommend rolling up your sleeve.
“The variant is far more efficient in spreading," Murry said. "So it’s critical that people understand that what we’re dealing with today is not what we were dealing with in March of 2020."
There’s also discussion around a potential third booster shot in the future.
“Three vaccines that are approved here in the United States to be administered,” Murry said. “So I think we’re going to find out very soon which ones require booster and which don’t.”
100 Black Men of Syracuse also raffling off a TV to make attendance more appealing.
“Syracuse and Onondaga County should become examples of getting vaccinated and hopefully getting rid of that delta virus in our communities,” said Jerome Walker, founder of the Syracuse chapter of 100 Black Men.
The CDC says 61% of Onondaga County is fully vaccinated.
The next family health gathering will feature musical artist Will Holton on August 15 at Leavenworth Park.