The Covid-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on communities across the globe. Thanks to efforts put forth by scientists, researchers, doctors, among many others, vaccines have been developed that have shown evidence of generating strong immune response against the virus. As the scientific community and public officials have emphasized, widespread vaccination is an essential pillar to battle the pandemic.
BAPS Charities organized a Covid-19 vaccination drive in Houston, TX on April 24, 2021, in collaboration with Fort Bend Health & Human Services benefitting 29 participants.
A second vaccination drive was organized on June 5, 2021, in collaboration with C Pharmacy that benefitted an additional 119 participants.
Through medical professionals who volunteered at the drive, participants were offered guidance on preventative measures, received their vaccination, and were provided post-vaccination care and counseling.
Since getting a vaccination could raise anxiety and concern for many, BAPS Charities volunteers played an essential role in ensuring all participants had a pleasant and smooth experience throughout the vaccination process. In particular, the volunteers assisted in providing socially distanced flow, sanitization protocols, and translation services.
Speaking on the occasion, the Mayor of Stafford, Texas, the Hon. Cecil Willis commented that this was a great effort put together by the BAPS Charities volunteers to serve the local community.
Before the vaccination drives, BAPS Charities identified a community need for vaccine education in an accessible format for the Indian and Southeast Asian diaspora. BAPS Charities created a video to provide multiple perspectives from credentialed doctors and researchers. Gujarati subtitles embedded in the video enabled dissemination of vital information across the community.
In line with historical campaigns such as the flu vaccine drive, health insurance information drives, health awareness & wellness lectures, and Health Fairs, BAPS Charities has endeavored to support all individuals’ health and well-being. Battling the misinformation surrounding COVID-19 vaccines and provide vaccination infrastructure is in line with that mission.
