CLAY COUNTY – Misinformation about the COVID-19 virus and vaccine is often a reason some individuals do not get vaccinated. The Northeast Florida Area Health Education Center, with funding from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs through ElderSource, wants to help increase vaccination rates by offering free workshops to bust the myths and eliminate doubt about the COVID vaccines.

The free workshops are offered every other Monday at Community Health Outreach, at 5126 Timuquana Road in Jacksonville and every other Tuesday at Daily Manna Serving Center, 2659 Edison Ave. in Jacksonville. However, community and church leaders are invited to contact AHEC to schedule sessions. English and Spanish speaking facilitators are available to present classes in Clay, Duval, Baker, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

Each session features general facts about the COVID-19 virus, the health impacts and long-term effects as well as information about how the vaccine works in the body and possible side effects. Facts and myths about the vaccine and how to overcome vaccine hesitancy will be presented. Most workshops also offer the opportunity for participants to get vaccinated onsite, said Tonia Harris, AHEC Executive Director.

“For the past month, I have been out in the community listening to people about why they are scared to get the vaccine,” Harris said. “Their fear is real, but I believe this workshop can have a positive effect on their understanding about the virus and the vaccine; and we hope we can ease their fear to change their minds.”

ElderSource has been fortunate to receive significant funding from state and federal sources to promote the importance of getting the vaccine, said ElderSource CEO Linda Levin. “These workshops are a vital piece in providing timely and accurate information to the community.”

For more information, or to schedule a workshop, call AHEC at 888) 784-8486.