ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Some of the lowest income, highest minority ZIP codes in Orange County have the fewest number of people vaccinated.
County commissioners who represent those areas are concerned about how many more people could die there before the pandemic is over.
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District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe not only represents 32839, but also lives there. It has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Orange County.
“And it is very disappointing, because I have tried a lot to get my community access,” she said.
It covers parts of Orlando, Holden Heights, Oak Ridge, Edgewood and Pine Castle and has a 22.6% vaccination rate. That’s about 13,400 people out of nearly 60,000 residents.
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Uribe said there are plenty of places to get vaccinated, including many Spanish supermarkets.
“There is no excuse,” she said. “The only thing that worries me is that there’s this perception that you don’t need it, that it’s bad, that I’m not sure, and that I had COVID, I’m good.”
She said it’s frustrating to watch more educated people do what they need to do to be safe, while underserved, low income, high minority communities take another hit.
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“It’s those communities that are busy raising kids, that are busy trying to survive, but who actually are the most vulnerable when it comes to this virus, are the ones that need it,” Uribe said.
Uribe is holding a food drive at Oak Ridge High School next weekend in 32839 and said anyone who picks up a meal can get vaccinated at the same time.
Commissioner Christine Moore represents District 2, which has parts of 32808 that covers parts of Orlando, Pine Hills and Orlovista.
The ZIP code has a vaccination rate of 22.3%.
“Of course, I’m concerned because I want my folks to get their lives back and feel safe going out and being in large groups,” Moore said.
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She feels getting faith leaders involved could make an impact, especially if they hold vaccination events after church on Sundays.
“And the county’s making that very easy. If folks want to set up their own vaccination station, we can certainly help them,” Moore said.
Moore said there are many multi-generational families living together in 32808, so she believes lowering the age limit to 12 and up will help.