Getting more people vaccinated in communities hardest hit by COVID-19 in Los Angeles is the mission of one woman and hundreds of volunteers.
Liz Schwandt is the co-founder of Get Out the Shot Los Angeles, a volunteer-run collective, focused on reducing barriers to vaccinations and increasing access for underserved communities.
Get Out the Shot runs a phone request line where people can seek out help making an appointment for their vaccinations. Schwandt says the group also provides direct support to mobile pop-up clinics.
Currently, Get out the Shot is operating “on the campuses of public housing projects, in parks. Anywhere you can think of where someone might need a vaccine clinic, we’ve been there” according to Schwandt.
She says they’ve seen a range of emotions from those they’ve helped get the vaccine.
“For some people, they burst into tears because they are so happy to be able to protect their family. And for some people, they are terrified, so we hold their hand the whole way through,” said Schwandt.
The mother of an 8-year-old, Schwandt is looking forward to the vaccine being made available to younger kids. She has plans for expanding Get Out the Shot beyond providing help during the coronavirus pandemic.
She says they will be looking at ways to pair clinics with other pressing needs for families, such as helping families find clinics that test drinking water tested for lead.
Anyone looking for assistance booking a vaccine appointment can access Get Out the Shot’s website at www.gotsla.org/ or call (213) 986-7604.
Volunteer information is also available on the website.
