Dozens of people living in low income-housing, 75+ communities get vaccinated for the first time

BOSTON — As we’ve been hearing from Gov. Charlie Baker, getting vaccinated, and getting the word out to hardest-hit communities, communities of color is the goal. We are hearing first hand from the community about why they chose to get vaccinated.

“I wanted it because you never know,” said Euclides Pagan, a 79-year-old from the Boston area who just got the Moderna vaccine.

“People afraid, I was too. but I told my wife, I take a chance,” said Pagan.

He is one of the dozens of 75+ who lined up to get vaccinated at the Whittier Street Health Center in Roxbury on Friday.

Pagan, an immigrant from Puerto Rico, with underlying health issues says he knows he’s at high risk for catching the virus.

“I like to tell my people, don’t be afraid to get the shot, because they try to protect our herd,” said Pagan.

Nearly everyone who lined up has a story to share about what they went through during COVID-19.

From some of the hardest-hit areas to Roxbury, to Mattapan, and Dorchester.

“We knew, even before the data was revealed, we knew it would have a devastating impact on the low-income minority communities that we serve,” said Frederica Williams, CEO of Whittier Street Health Center.

For months, the CEO tells Boston 25 News, they’ve been trying to raise awareness to the hard-hit communities, by holding focus groups by educating the public, and building that trusting relationship.

Reporter Malini Basu asked, how do you feel?

“I feel glad it’s over. I would rather get it, than not get it.”

At 89 years old, Lillie Keicer has been working on educating her friends about the vaccine.

“I try to think positive, and I try to see things as beautiful as there is,” said Keicer.

“I’m paying strict attention to my age. I would encourage anyone my age or older to get vaccinated,” said Desamoumusa Abdul Qaabid, an 81-year-old.

In the coming weeks, the health center hopes to get hundreds of more vaccines, where an appointment is needed. Once they get even more vaccines, healthcare workers will be going around in a van and set up in an area where people can walk up and get vaccinated.

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