Santa Maria Pharmacist working to get more people vaccinated

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - As soon as Moderna vaccine supplies arrived, Pharmacist Sagar Asodia looked forward to giving the shots to his patients.

But instead of people lining up, Asodia finds some of his patients are hesitant to get vaccinated.

"After the whole Johnson and Johnson scare it seems like people are hesitating to get the vaccine in general," said Asodia.

That scare was two weeks ago, when the J & J vaccine was paused after one person out of a million developed blood clots. 

After two week of research, the vaccine was cleared again.

Betty Weeks is one of those who didn’t want to get vaccinated.

"I waited as long as I could," said Weeks.

Her daughter, Judy Teague said the 92-year old felt uncertain about getting vaccinated.

“She’s been a little bit resistant and just because it’s so foreign to her. She doesn’t understand it as good you know,” said Teague.

By chatting with Weeks, Asodia was able to explain how the vaccine will benefit her life.

And just minutes later, 92-year old Betty Weeks was ready for her first vaccine dose.

Afterwards, both mother and daughter waited in the lobby in noticeably high spirits.

Teague said once she and her mom are fully vaccinated, they can visit friends at senior living centers.

“I really do hope that everybody will get vaccinated," said Teague.

Right now, only ten percent of the pharmacy’s vaccine appointments have been filled.

“Many people have already been vaccinated which is very good. For those who aren’t vaccinated, it’s really important that you guys reach out try and try to get this vaccine," said Asodia.

Asodia plans to continue working as hard as he can, one patient at a time, to get more people vaccinated.

"We’re trying to encourage everyone who walks in to get the vaccine. We’re trying to post it online on social media. No one‘s really immune to COVID. Even after you get the vaccine, you can still possibly get it,” said Asodia.

For information on how you can get the COVID-19 vaccine, you can contact JDX Pharmacy at  (805) 922-1747.