APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — When it comes to getting the Covid-19 vaccine , Nichole Gladney with Ascension Health believes nothing should get in the way of people who want one. Especially for minority groups who have been hit by the pandemic.
“Those who are interested in being vaccinated should have opportunities to get vaccinated and this is another access point,” said Gladney.
One of the issues trying to be addressed now is vaccine accessibility. Which is why the Long Cheng Community Center hosted a clinic here in Appleton for the Hmong Community.
“They can walk in, go to a place where they are comfortable familiar and walk in and get a shot rather than go somewhere else where they have a hard time to register,” said Long Vue the Executive Director for Wisconsin United Coalition of Mutual Assistance Association.
Wisconsin Health Services Data shows 19.8% of the state’s Asian population has been fully vaccinated. That’s 10 percent behind the white population.
Vue said he sees accessibility being an issue for the older Asians as well.
“They don’t have to worry about go online, register, or make an email and register,” said Vue. “It’s hard so today’s a great opportunity for them.”
Saturday’s clinic had the option to just walk right in or pre-register and organizers say there were plenty of thank-you’s to go around.
“There’s a lot of enthusiasm,” said Gladney. “When we opened our doors at 9 a.m. we had 15 people in line to get the vaccine and we’ve had a steady stream of people all day long.”
Including Thong Vang. Who has been waiting to get his vaccine.
“Just to be on the safe side, be cautious around family with Covid spreading around. Knowing you’re safe and keeping everyone else safe,” said Vang.
The clinic was offering the Moderna vaccine. A second clinic will be held at the same location on May 22nd.
Clinic organizers say they vaccinated about 110 people.
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