State creates hundreds of pop-up vaccination sites to give minority communities more access

New York state is making sure there is equity in vaccine distribution by creating more than 300 pop-up vaccination sites at churches and public housing complexes.
Despite the effort, there is still a level of mistrust when it comes to taking the vaccine among people in the Black and brown communities.
Wilbur Aldridge, the Mid-Hudson Westchester regional director of the NAACP, says communities of color have been hit the hardest by the pandemic. Aldridge says he is encouraged to see the pop-up locations.
"I think anything that is going to expedite bringing the vaccine to communities of color, that's a wonderful thing," says Aldridge.
According to a recent study, 35% of Black adults would not get the vaccine even if it was determined to be safe and available for free. Of those Black adults who were hesitant to get the vaccine, 71% said they were concerned about possible side effects.
Other studies have found that Black and Latino people cite distrust in the federal government and the nation's history of racism in medical research as the key reasons why they are hesitant.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo insists that it's safe saying, "Please take the vaccine. We will make it accessible, but we need you to accept it."
Leaders from the NAACP say Black and brown communities should follow up with their doctor and educate themselves on whether or not they should take the vaccine.