HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Mayor Battle and local pastors stepped out on faith by rolling up their leaves to receive their vaccine dose today at the Madison County Health Department.
They hope to ease fears, especially in communities of color.
Back in December Mayor Battle and Oakwood University President Leslie Pollard communicated about how minorities in Huntsville are hesitant about receiving the vaccine. They hope to eliminate that fear by setting an example.
"This is leaders and a lot of times to lead you gotta show people that you're willing to do what you talk about," says Tommy Battle.
Among the six faith-based leaders, Pollard was back for his second dose.
"The first time I didn't have any symptoms. My experience, I didn't have any real symptoms. This will be my second dose that will complete the cycle. And hopefully that means I will be vaccinated and safe," says Pollard.
Their message is to encourage their congregation and community to get the vaccine. COVID Collaborative revealed only one in seven Black Americans and one third Latino Americans trust in vaccine safety.
Leaders believe this mistrust is because of past medical mistreatment, like the Tuskegee experiment. However, the people who are hesitant are the ones being impacted most.
"COVID-19 is effecting the Black community at higher rates. We've got to protect ourselves. This is how we do it," says Reverend Maurice Wright II, St. John AME Church.
Once getting the vaccine other leaders say they feel at ease themselves.
"Relieved actually. There was some anxiety with the anticipation of it. But I feel relieved I finally got it done and it's over now", says Pastor Troy Garner with The Fellowship of Faith Church
"I trust in the medical science. I trust that God gives people vision, education, wisdom, understanding that they may help others," says Wright.
"And we're currently in Phase 1b. The next phase, 1c, includes people age 65 and up, and people at high risk.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a plethora of information on how to protect yourself and other from the coronavirus.
The virus can easily spread from person to person, so the CDC recommends you stay at least 6-feet apart from people not in your household. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, breaths or talks, according to the CDC. Because of this, the CDC recommends you wear a cloth facemask when around others and in public.
Additionally, the CDC recommends that you frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Symptoms to look out for include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, a sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC.
Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the CDC.
If you suspect you have the coronavirus, you should seek out testing and self-quarantine.
Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the Alabama Department of Public Health.