On Saturday Family Health Centers of San Diego, American Medical Response (AMR) and the Latino Equity Council are hoping to vaccinate 2,000 residents from the 92113 ZIP code, which includes Barrio Logan.
The event is being held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Logan Heights Family Health Center and appointments are required ahead of time.
"It’s been challenging to get appointments," said former San Diego City Council Member David Alvarez. "So that’s why we’re making really easy for a community where the digital divide exists."
Alvarez and others have been going door-to-door, hitting an estimated 4,000 doors in the Barrio Logan area this week, giving them information and a phone number to call to book an appointment for this Saturday.
"A lot of people have heard a lot of information — maybe misinformation — about who qualifies who doesn't qualify," Alvarez said. "Some people are like, 'I still don't qualify,' even though they do."
Dr. Sandra Cervantes with Family Health Centers said there has been some hesitancy to get vaccinated, and she has been fielding questions like, if there were people of color in vaccination trials.
"There has been a lot of racism in healthcare over the years and it’s natural that there would be some skepticism," Cervantes said.
Alvarez grew up in Barrio Logan and said taking the vaccination message directly to residents is key.
"Having these very grass roots connections have been very helpful," he said. "I just went to a home earlier where unless you walked and talked to someone — you wouldn’t know that there’s a house literally around the corner through the back," he said. "That’s why we’ve got to be on the ground where people are at."
AMR crews are helping deliver vaccinations at the event this Saturday. Volunteers like Alvarez from the Latino Equity Council are also identifying home-bound residents that AMR crews can then go vaccinate.
Those living in the 92113 ZIP code can call (619) 515-2474 to book an appointment for this weekend. People will have to be currently eligible to get a shot.
