Vaccine hesitancy remains an issue for many people, including members of the Latino community. Sunday, June 13, a mass vaccination event for Latinos will be held at Kellogg Soccer Field in Cincinnati.
University of Cincinnati Psychologist Maria Espinola is concerned only a third of the Latino community in Hamilton County is vaccinated against COVID-19. She says that's compared to more than 50% for whites in the county.
"Some people (have) a hesitancy to take the vaccine, their fears, their concerns," says Espinola. "Some people have concerns due to religious reasons and then just general fear about misinformation they have seen online."
She says the event "Latino Fiesta" is designed to help people feel safe and secure in an inviting and friendly environment.
The free event is from noon to 3:00 p.m. at Kellogg Soccer Field at 4609 Kellogg Avenue.
It features food, salsa dancing with "Salsaires Cincinnati," music from Daglio, and former Cincinnati Bengal and Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz.
The vaccines will be offered to those 12 and up. Pfizer and the single-dose Johnson & Johnson shot are available.
All forms of ID are accepted. Walk-ups are welcome, organizers say.
Espinola is hopeful many will attend. "Latinos, they like community," she says. "They like to be around others. They like friendship and family and being isolated has been very hard for everyone."
