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In coronavirus vaccine rollout, Massachusetts community health centers play critical role

  • February 8, 2021

By  | Boston Herald

PUBLISHED:  | UPDATED: 

In coronavirus vaccine rollout, Massachusetts community health centers play critical role

 

Before the Whittier Street Health Center in Roxbury began vaccinating people at its two locations, it held a series of focus groups in the community.

“People wanted to know who were in the clinical trials, the side effects, how the vaccine was developed so quickly,” said Frederica Williams, the center’s president and CEO. “We were able to explain to them and assure them and not minimize what they were saying.”

Like the Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center, the Whittier has run public-service announcements on social media, including on its YouTube channel, showing black and brown people getting vaccinated.

A note about Whittier and COVID-19

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in our area, we ask all clients and patients to call ahead before coming to any of our sites. We are working to take care of most clients/patients via phone/video encounter so we can meet your ongoing healthcare needs. This is for your safety and so we can provide the highest quality of care to you while following CDC guidance for COVID-19. Please call 617-427-1000 for any questions or concerns.

Whittier will provide COVID-19 testing from 10 am to 4 pm on Monday to Friday. Following CDC guidance, we recommend testing if you have a fever AND one of the following three symptoms: cough OR shortness of breath OR sore throat. Please bring your picture identification and your insurance card (if you have insurance).