CAIRO, ILL. (WSIL) -- Illinois' Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton visits vaccination clinics in the state's southernmost regions looking to ease concerns for those who are hesitant and increase the number of people getting the vaccine.
Stratton was in Pulaski and Alexander counties Saturday afternoon two areas with the some of the lowest vaccination rates in the state.
According to the , less than 6% of Alexander county's population is vaccinated, and in Pulaski it's less than 10%.
Stratton says those numbers are even lower for people of color and she hopes her visit will help change that.
"I think on one hand some people would say there's a level of hesitancy, but I think the other thing is, we to make sure that we address the needs of the people and meet them where they are," she says.
Health officials with Southern Seven Health Department say there are no shortages on the vaccines.
Working with the National Guard, the department is providing walk-in availability and appointments.
Stratton says awareness campaigns are underway to reach residents with post cards and mailers; Guard members are also providing in-home vaccines to those unable to travel.
"Governor Pritzker and I certainly care about the residents in Southern Illinois," says Stratton. "And I'm here today to let them know that we want to make sure that we continue to work on their behalf, just like we do on all of the residents of our state."
The Lieutenant Governor adds, the vaccine is the most important thing we can do to get past the pandemic.
While in Cairo, she spoke with residents, Illinois National Guard members and Health Officials on further efforts to increase participation.
During her trip to southern Illinois, Stratton also had Mexican food at La Galeria in Marion and made a stop in Carbondale at Arnette's barbershop.
"Women and people of color are more likely to own a small business hit hardest by the pandemic, such as restaurants, barber shops, or retail stores. That's why it is important to shop local so that these viable businesses can survive and then thrive after COVID-19."
Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton
