U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle on Monday partnered with the Baptist Worship Center, 4790 James St., and Rite Aid to provide close to 200 COVID-19 vaccinations.
Boyle selected the location because the 19137 ZIP code has the highest coronavirus positivity rate in Philadelphia. Surrounding ZIP codes also have high rates.
The congressman said the site is also a lot more convenient than a Center City location, due to its proximity and large parking lot.
People were given the Moderna vaccine and will return on May 24 for their second dose.
Boyle said 28 percent of Americans have been fully vaccinated. He estimates one-third of the population is hesitant to receive the vaccine, for one reason or another.
The lawmaker called the pandemic a “nightmare,” adding that he is listening to experts such as Dr. Anthony Fauci when it comes to a timeline for the country to open up more fully.
“In order to defeat COVID, we don’t have to convince all the holdouts, but we have to get to 75 to 80 percent (vaccinated) before we really crush COVID,” he said. ••
