ROCHESTER, N.Y. — On Monday, Governor Cuomo released a list of the 25 ZIP codes seeing the lowest vaccination rates in the state of New York. The list included two Rochester ZIP codes.

Data from the governor's office shows that the 14613 ZIP code, which includes the Edgerton neighborhood in Rochester, has the fourth-lowest vaccination rate in the state at 28%.

What You Need To Know

  • Governor Cuomo released a list of the 25 ZIP codes seeing the lowest vaccination rates in the state

  • Two of those are in Rochester

  • The 14613 ZIP code has the fourth-lowest vaccination rate in the state at 28%

  • ZIP code 14605 has the 11th lowest vaccination rate in the state at 31.5%

One woman who lives in the area who did not wish to appear on camera admitted that she was scared to get the vaccine.

Julia Oakley, who runs Agape Haven of Abundance, a community outreach center on Driving Park Avenue, says that's only part of the reason that the rates are so low.

"I believe that they are intimidated to go to bigger entities like the University of Rochester or Rochester General,” Oakley explained. “So it is important to actually come and embedded in the community. And not just be embedded, but to also have representation in the community so minorities can take advantage of whatever services that's being provided to them."

Just on the other side of the Genesee River, ZIP code 14605 has the 11th lowest vaccination rate in the state at 31.5%.

Dr. Laurie Donohue is the chief medical officer for the Anthony Jordan Health Center, which operates in that ZIP code. She says they have been working to encourage senior citizens to get the vaccine, but knows there is a lot more work to do.

"It's concerning, but also understandable, because we do operate in a ZIP code where access to health care tends to be the lowest,” Dr. Donohue said.

The state will soon open new pop up clinics to boost vaccination rates in these areas.

Greater Harvest Baptist Church on Driving Park Avenue will be the site for one of the clinics.

"The need for these large vaccination sites with long lines of people,” explained Dr. Donohue. “I think that day has passed and now is outreach to the folks that have been waiting and now would like to have their questions answered. Their concerns relieved so that they can feel confident in receiving the vaccination."

Oakley believes having the new clinic just down the road from them could make an impact in the area's low vaccination rates.

"We would actually redirect them to harvest to gain access to whatever resources that they are providing to have the vaccination," said Oakley.

The clinic at Greater Harvest Baptist Church will open on June 11 and they are accepting walk-ins.