KANSAS CITY, Mo. — There are still many Americans who are hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
"I encourage folks to get vaccinated, protect yourselves, protect your loved ones," Dr. Rex Archer, KCMO Health Department Director said.
There are many people who are getting the vaccinated every day. But, not everyone wants to get vaccinated.
"What we are seeing is there is actually a small percentage that are just opposed of getting vaccinated. There is a fairly large group, maybe 30-40% of the population that is eh I am not sure," Archer said.
The Missouri Hospital Association took a poll from 800 Missourians about the COVID-19 vaccine.
54% of those polled said they have got at least one vaccine. 11% said they plan to get the vaccine. While 28% said they don't plan to get the shot.
"It's different in different parts of the state. We see this nationally that there are people in rural parts of the state that are less likely to want the vaccine," Mary Becker with the Missouri Hospital Association said. "Those who are very conservative, those in the African American population are less likely."
Archer said one way they are getting people vaccinated is making it convenient.
"We're going to start having evening clinics on Tuesdays and Thursdays. So that folks can come after work if they get off at 4:30 p.m. or 5 p.m. they can come on in," Archer said.
Community faith leaders like Pastor Darron Edwards are trying to break through the hesitancy.
"The government, some of the practices that were used on African American people, but then more so the vaccine for many as an experimental drug," Edwards said. "So, they say well let's get past the experimental process and then let's begin to see you know, but let's see what happens before we get it."
Edwards is fully vaccinated and spreading a message to get the vaccine.
"It was the best decision for me, and I think when people really look at it from that perspective what's best for you. You'll see more people get the vaccine," Edwards said.
