SPOKANE, Wash. — Seniors living in Spokane's East Central neighborhood will have better access to the COVID-19 vaccine this week.
The MLK Center is hosting a vaccine clinic on Tuesday, Feb. 16. Around 125 doses will be available to seniors over the age of 65 and multigenerational family members over the age of 50.
The Spokane Regional Health District and Washington State University’s school of nursing will assist with the clinic. The clinic is part of an effort to make sure vaccines are distributed evenly throughout the region - including to communities of color.
“There’s a lot of historical trauma that people are dealing with,” explained MLK Center executive director Freda Gandy. “We just want to make sure that if people are choosing to take it [the vaccine], that they have access to it.”
The clinic is also to educate people about the benefits of getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Gandy believes educating people about the vaccine will encourage more people to get the shot.
“We want you to be able and come to a trusted site,” Gandy said.
The MLK center already provides several other services throughout the week. Their senior program includes emotional and social activities focused on the needs of older adults.
For now - the center only plans to have appointments available on Tuesday. They may consider adding another date depending on how the clinic goes.
Anyone interested in signing up for the vaccine clinic can find more information on the MLK Centers website.