Religious leaders seek to increase access to COVID-19 vaccines in underserved communities

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida residents over the age of 65 have another chance to secure a COVID-19 vaccine on Monday

One of the options is through Publix, which plans to reopen appointments online for every Central Florida county at 7 a.m.

Those slots fill up fast. It took only an hour for the appointments to fill up Friday.

Watch: COVID-19 vaccination appointments fully booked at Central Florida Publix stores: Here’s your next chance

Your second option is in Orange County. The online portal to reserve a vaccine at the Orange County convention center reopens at 9 a.m.

Both options are for people 65 and older only.

VIDEO: Extremely vulnerable residents under 65 struggling to obtain COVID-19 vaccine

Transportation is one of the biggest barriers, limiting access to the vaccine in lower-income communities.

That’s why some community leaders have focused on bringing the vaccine to the people.

Local pastors said they’re hoping to see the state focus more attention on smaller vaccination sites.

Watch: Here’s where to find the COVID-19 vaccine in your county

Even though Latino and Black households have been hit three to four times harder than white families, they’re getting the vaccine at much lower rates than white Floridians.

Events centered around churches in Central Florida this weekend aimed to change that.

They also knocked on doors, bringing the registration process right to seniors, knowing internet access and tech-savviness might be a barrier.

While distrust of the American medical system has contributed to low vaccination rates for minorities, one group of Brevard County pastors said there’s also been plenty of unmet demand.

Watch: Florida expanding homebound senior COVID-19 vaccination program to WWII, Korean War vets

People in their communities just need better access.

Here are the churches involved in the effort:

Brevard County Churches:

Parker Memorial Missionary Baptist Church (Cocoa)

Faith Temple Christian Center (Rockledge)

Greater St Paul Missionary Baptist Church (Cocoa)

Zion Orthodox Primitive Baptist Church (Cocoa)

Mt Moriah AME Church (Cocoa)

Mt. Dora Church:

Saving Faith Baptist Church

Watch the full report in the video above.

Cox Media Group