SANFORD, Fla. – In a mission to reach all communities across Seminole County, the Office of Emergency Management and Florida Department of Health Seminole County is teaming up with faith leaders to provide the COVID-19 vaccines to seniors.

Four hundred vaccines were given out Saturday at the Masjid Al Hayy.

“Eighty-eight years of my livelihood, I wanted to preserve it another 88 but I don't think it will last that long,” veteran Chuck Meadows said.

Meadows was one of the 400 getting the Pfizer vaccine in Sanford to try to protect himself.

“Everything went smooth, had a good response from going in to out,” he said.

Faith leaders said events like this are all about making the seniors feel comfortable while getting their COVID-19 vaccine.

“We are here for the community and our mosque is open throughout the year for everyone, we have had so many interfaith events here,” Masjid Al Hayy outreach director Minaz Manekia said.

Seminole County health leaders have worked at 10 faith-based sites, and said it’s one of the ways they’re working to make sure all eligible residents get vaccinated.

“As of report this morning [[Saturday]] in Seminole County we have vaccinated 53% of our community 65 and older,” said Donna Walsh, with Seminole County Department of Health.

Meadows said he looks forward to getting his second and final shot in a few weeks.

“This was a very smooth operation,” he said.

In Seminole County, 36,000 have received both shots.