Misinformation about the COVID-19 virus and vaccine is often a reason some people do not get vaccinated.
The Northeast Florida Area Health Education Center, with funding from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs through ElderSource, is seeking to help increase vaccination rates by offering free workshops countering myths and eliminating doubt about the COVID vaccines.
The free workshops are offered every other Monday at Community Health Outreach, at 5126 Timuquana Road and every other Tuesday at Daily Manna Serving Center, 2659 Edison Ave. Both are in Jacksonville.
In addition, community and church leaders are invited to contact the Health Education Center to schedule sessions. English- and Spanish-speaking facilitators are available to present classes in Duval, Clay, Baker, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns and Volusia counties.
Each session features general facts about the COVID-19 virus, the health impacts and long-term effects, as well as information about how the vaccine works in the body and possible side effects.
Facts and myths about the vaccine and how to overcome vaccine hesitancy will also be presented.
Most workshops also offer the opportunity for participants to get vaccinated onsite, said Tonia Harris, Health Education Center executive director.
“For the past month, I have been out in the community listening to people about why they are scared to get the vaccine,” Harris said. “Their fear is real, but I believe this workshop can have a positive effect on their understanding about the virus and the vaccine; and we hope we can ease their fear to change their minds.”
ElderSource has received funding from state and federal sources to promote the importance of getting the vaccine, said ElderSource CEO Linda Levin.
“These workshops are a vital piece in providing timely and accurate information to the community,” Levin said.
For more information, or to schedule a workshop, call The Northeast Florida Area Health Education Center at 1-888-784-8486.
