Riverside Medical Group helps vaccinate underserved communities in Hudson County

Minorities in underserved communities have the chance to be vaccinated on Sunday in Hudson County.

News 12 Staff

Mar 1, 2021, 2:16 PM

Updated 1,377 days ago

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Minorities in underserved communities have the chance to be vaccinated on Sunday in Hudson County.
Individuals from Eva’s Village in Paterson who are recovering from substance abuse, homeless people and those from Covenant House New Jersey, which provides sanctuary and support for young people ages 18-21 facing homelessness or human trafficking, will receive vaccines at the Riverside Medical Group.
According to a recent analysis, the vaccination rate is 28% higher in wealthier counties compared to less affluent ones.
Eva's Village is no longer able to open its indoor soup kitchen due to the pandemic, but leaders of the organization believe with staff and clients getting vaccinated, it is one step closer to bringing people back inside for meals.
"I hope that eventually at some point, more people are vaccinated and we’re able to open up that kitchen again. This way we can welcome people in our community to come back inside into Eva's Village for a hot meal that we can serve, especially on a cold winter day," says Dr. Murtuza Tameem, the medical director of Eva's Village.
Leaders at Eva's Village also say along with supply challenges, dispelling concerns over vaccine safety is a challenge when it comes to getting their clients vaccinated.
According to the New Jersey Department of Health, 5% of the state’s vaccines have been given to Latino residents, and just 3% have been to African Americans.
In a statement from River Medical Group, CEO Zeyad Baker says, “The inequities that we’re seeing in vaccination administration is a problem, and we want to be part of the solution.”