ROME, N.Y. – The president of the Rome National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Jacqueline Nelson, received her first dose of the coronavirus vaccine at Rome Memorial Hospital on Friday.

Nelson is part of the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Taskforce, which is meant to “break down barriers to vaccination and ensure there is equitable distribution of the vaccine across the state,” according to the state.

Nelson is also a program manager, supervising three houses for people with developmental disabilities.  She hopes getting vaccinated will demonstrate to her staff that the vaccine is safe.

“We need to encourage people to get the vaccine when it’s their turn because it is safe and effective,” Nelson said. “This vaccine is backed by data and it is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.”

New York is currently in Phase 1A of vaccine distribution, which includes health care workers and nursing home staff and residents.

For more information on eligibility and where to get the vaccine, click here.