Zeta Phi Beta Boosting Immunity for Black History Month

On Saturday, February 19, 2022, members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated-Sigma Omicron Zeta Chapter, Gwinnett County, a community-conscious and action-oriented chapter, will host a community education and vaccination clinic to help increase COVID-19 vaccination rates in Gwinnett County.

Since Gwinnett’s vaccination pace has stalled over the last few weeks, Chapter President Ayatta Hunter James states, “As we enter into the third year of the pandemic, we are ready to put COVID-19 behind us and are willing to step in and do our part to help.” Hence, chapter members have partnered with the Gwinnett, Newton & Rockdale Health Departments and Gwinnett Cares to provide an open forum for people to come and ask questions and get the trusted information they need to make a sound decision about their vaccine choices. President Hunter-James says, “There’s so much information coming at us and so much misinformation out there. It’s time we just sit down with subject-matter experts and sort fact from fiction.” The community conversation will be held at noon and will be led by Lorraine McDowell, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, a member of Sigma Omicron Zeta. Nurse McDowell states, “We want this to be a safe place of non-judgement for anyone to come ask questions and talk openly about what’s holding you back from being vaccinated. Please come get the resources you need to protect you and your family from COVID-19.”

The event will take place at the health department’s big vaccination venue in the former Gwinnett Place Mall Sears building at 2100 Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth. The hope is those attending will walk away feeling more confident about the vaccine and will be ready to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated onsite. President James shares, “Not only does it concern us that only 57% of Gwinnett’s totally population is fully vaccinated, but less than 50% of Gwinnett’s black population has been vaccinated. As we celebrate Black History Month, this is a great opportunity for us to honor those who’ve come before us who didn’t have the same access to care and protection from disease. This is our chance to write our own chapter in the history books and put an end to this pandemic.”

Nurse McDowell adds, “Sixty-three percent of Gwinnettians have had at least one dose. If we can just get those who have been putting off getting their other doses to come, we can make a big difference in the health of our community.” First, second, third, fourth, and booster doses will be available.

Though the community conversation takes place mid-day, vaccinations will be offered all day from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments can be made at bit.ly/ZetasCare. Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available to anyone age 12 and up. No pediatric doses will be given at this site. Vaccines are free to all. No identification, proof of residency or citizenship, or health insurance required. Those having previous vaccinations are encouraged to bring your vaccination cards.