UMOS holds 'quick and easy' walk-in vaccine clinic on Milwaukee's south side
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- As Milwaukee experiences higher COVID-19 transmission rates, there's a sense of urgency to get people vaccinated as quickly as possible.
UMOS on the city's south side partnered with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin and Walgreens to hold a two-day walk-in vaccine clinic on April 10 and 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the pledge that they won't turn anyone away.
"Community members are comfortable here, and they trust UMOS as a community organization. So they do trust and feel comfortable in this environment," said Rita Saavedra, marketing manager with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin.
Saavedra said people who don't have an ID are still able to get vaccinated. They need to bring a utility bill or something else that shows their name and address.
They have a total of 1,600 doses of Johnson & Johnson to be administered over the weekend, in a community that has been hit hard by the pandemic.
"I want to prevent from getting the actual COVID, and I strongly recommend that others do the same," said Mirna Feliciano, who got the shot at UMOS on Saturday. "I was hesitant but ... it's something that I recommend for those that are hesitant. Come get the vaccine. It's OK."
Health officials are concerned about new variants of the virus leading to rising case numbers statewide. In Milwaukee, COVID-19 infection rates have increased over the last month at a time when vaccines are widely available and the health commissioner says the numbers should be decreasing.
Dave Tice, who also got the vaccine Saturday at UMOS, described the process as "quick and easy."
"My industry is shut down big time as a stagehand, and most venues are going to require (the vaccine), and I just need needed to get it done and over with," Tice said.
Saavedra said it's important for people who've been vaccinated to share their positive experiences to educate others that the vaccines are safe and effective.