Gov. Ned Lamont visited a vaccine clinic at Stamford Hospital Friday, announcing he will get vaccinated early next week.
Lamont is struggling to convince minorities, however, to roll up their sleeves.
Among elderly patients in Connecticut, nearly 60% of COVID vaccines went to white patients. Just more than 4% went to Black and Hispanic patients.
Stamford's "No Barriers" program reaches out directly to minorities, helping them sign up for vaccines, giving them free rides, and providing interpreters.
"We're trying to make it as easy as possible, and no questions asked," said Anka Badurina, the executive director of Building One Community. "No insurance, no ID, that's OK."
"It doesn't matter whether you were born in Honduras or right here in Stamford Hospital, this disease will go after everyone," said Stamford Mayor David Martin.
But many Black people remain skeptical. The state is running ads to try and change minds.
Lamont plans to get his shot next week at a Black church. He wants people to see that it's safe and that it works.
Ed Meehan, a Stamford resident who got his vaccine Friday, urged others to make their appointments.
"You should get it. The more people that don't take it, the longer this is going to last," he said.