Only 11% of Florida children aged 5-11 have received a COVID-19 vaccination and with evidence of the spread of the omicron variant increasing, areas like Brevard County are trying to get creative when it comes to bringing the vaccines to more people.

On Wednesday, the Department of Health in Brevard held its second vaccination outreach event at one of the libraries across the county. Three more clinics are scheduled for December.

“The convenience factor is definitely the most important factor, it seems, in the communities,” said Cat McAndrews, a registered nurse with the organization Health Heroes Florida “They know they can come here, no appointment needed and that we have professionals to take care of them.”

McAndrews and her team were contracted by DOH Brevard to administer vaccines in the following locations:

• Dec. 7 – Catherine Schwinsberg Library (Cocoa)
• Dec. 15 – Palm Bay Library (Palm Bay)
• Dec. 16 – Franklin T. DeGrouodt Public Library (Palm Bay)
• Dec. 17 – Port St. John Library (Cocoa)
• De.c 20 – Eau Gallie Library (Melbourne)

West Melbourne resident Scott Weaver got his first shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine earlier in the year at Brevard Zoo and his booster of Moderna at the Palm Bay Library on Wednesday. 

He said having these community clinics is a great way to get more people on board with the vaccine.

“I like the community sites," he said. "I think they’re smart and they bring the awareness back to the community — it’s out there and it’s easy for you to get to."

Those who spoke with Spectrum News 13 on Wednesday said the news about the spread of the omicron variant factored into their decision to get their boosters. 

All of the library vaccine clinics will be run from noon until 7:30 p.m., with shots being distributed no later than 7:45 p.m.