PASADENA, Calif.—Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) will host an in-person, Spanish-language event, Unidos en CommUNITY: Infórmate. Protégete. Vacúnate., at Villa Parke (363 E. Villa St.) on Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. This free event will feature real-time English translation.
Panelists will share experiences and information to improve understanding of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and safety. The panel discussion will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, with complimentary lunch immediately following the presentation. Albertsons Pharmacy will provide COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. to any individual age 5+ who is currently eligible.
Pasadena Public Health Director and Health Officer Dr. Ying-Ying Goh says, “In the U.S., Hispanic and Latino communities have had some of the highest rates of infection and death during the pandemic and, unfortunately, the city of Pasadena is no exception. PPHD is continuing to work with community organizations and our Hispanic and Latino community members to reduce barriers to vaccination, including misinformation.”
The information presented at this event is intended for all Pasadenans but will focus on questions from members of the Hispanic and Latino community, who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
As of April 19, 2022, approximately 10,664 confirmed COVID-19 cases (37.5% of all cases) in Pasadena were among Hispanic and Latino residents. Hispanic and Latino residents have experienced a 1.5 times higher rate of COVID-19 infection compared to white (non-Hispanics). When comparing rates of vaccination among racial and ethnic groups, 69.3% of the Hispanic and Latino population in Pasadena has been fully vaccinated, compared to 95.8% of the white (non-Hispanic) population.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective, but it is understandable that community members may still have questions about how they work and why they are needed. PPHD Deputy Director Manuel Carmona says, “We are bringing together voices from across the community to provide factual information about the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, reflect on their own decision-making process, and share their experience of getting vaccinated. Hearing accurate information from trusted community members can be very helpful to those who have lingering questions about COVID-19 vaccines.”
PPHD Program Coordinator Claudia Pinedo will serve as the event moderator. The panelists include local Pasadena community leaders Jose Madera, Isabel Ramirez, Melisa Rivera, and Dr. John Rodarte. The event will also feature testimonial videos highlighting the vaccination experiences of Pasadena residents. Visit the Eventbrite registration page to RSVP and for additional information, including information about our esteemed panelists, featured videos, and available raffle prizes.
The community is invited to submit questions for panelists in advance to Claudia Pinedo at cpinedo@cityofpasadena.net or (626) 744-6097.
As a reminder, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone age 5 and older get vaccinated against COVID-19, and everyone age 12 and older get a vaccine booster.
Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit us online at www.cityofpasadena.net; follow us on Twitter at @PasadenaGov, and Instagram and Facebook at @CityOfPasadena; or call the Citizen Service Center Monday through Friday during business hours at (626) 744-7311.
