CINCINNATI — Vaccination rates have always been a problem across the state.
Agencies are doing what they can to try to increase vaccination rates. Hamilton County came up with 513 Relief Bus to boost vaccination rates where they’re lagging behind.
A couple of months ago, Spectrum News introduced you to the bus and the services it offered. This was before the delta variant kicked off and cases were rising.
Now we’re back to check on the situation to see how things are going.
It was an emotional day for Theresa Gardner, who has finally mustered up the courage to get the vaccine.
At 58 years old she said it’s important for her to do it.
“I want to back out and not get the shot, but I got to do it because I’m saving other people,” said Gardner.
The vaccination site is set up by the 513 Relief Bus.
Gardner is one of dozens to get her vaccine at this site.
She’s getting the Pfizer shot and feels more confident now that it’s fully FDA approved.
She said she had to get the vaccine because she didn’t want to end up like some guy she knows who got sick.
“He had to go to hospital and he was admitted and I don’t want to do anything like that,” she said.
513 Relief Bus is helping many residents like Gardner get vaccinated and assisting with other essential needs like rental assistance, food banks and much more.
They are now offering 100 gift cards to people who get vaccinated.
Since June officials say they have seen an uptick in vaccinations.
And after getting her Pfizer shot, Gardner said it was different than she expected.
“No, it’s not as bad as I had thought it was,” she said.
Now that she’s one step closer to being fully vaccinated, Gardner said she feels more safe and optimistic about her fight against COVID-19.
“I don’t feel vulnerable being out there in the public and society,” she said.
