Gainesville City Councilwoman Barbara Brooks said she was saddened by the results of a community COVID-19 vaccination event last month.
"Unfortunately, we only had three people to come for the vaccination during the four hours," Brooks said. A volunteer also got his shot that day and recruited his mother, Brooks said, bringing the total number vaccinated to five. "That in itself is a blessing, that five more people did get vaccinated, but it was a huge disappointment."
Brooks made her comments during Ex-Officio reports at Thursday morning's work session, and she was not alone expressing her disappointment.
Mayor Danny Dunagan said a member of his family was facing the challenges of COVID-19.
"As you know, I've got a son-in-law in the hospital that did not take the shot and he's suffering the consequences now," said a somber Dunagan. "So I beg everyone to get a shot."
Brooks said the vaccination campaign would continue, but will change its tactics after they administer the second dose to the five on July 24. "What we're going to do it look at how we can take it inside of communities, rather than have it externally. That's our next step."
The vaccine event on June 26 was a partnership with several community members, including Brenau University, St. Paul United Methodist, Grace Episcopal Church, Gainesville Parks and Recreation, and others who volunteered to help the day of.
While she was unhappy with the outcome, Brooks looked at the positives too, recognizing the teamwork between the partners and the 30 volunteers who turned out to help, calling the first event a good practice run.
"Our work is not done," she said.
