Sen. Brenda Gilmore, a longtime North Nashville lawmaker, got her first dose of COVID-19 vaccine—and she is encouraging every Tennessean, especially disproportionately affected Black and Brown citizens, to make an appointment.

“I am feeling great after receiving my first dose of the coronavirus vaccine because I know I am helping put an end to this pandemic,” Sen. Gilmore said. “I could not be more proud of the scientists and doctors at Meharry who participated in the development of a safe, reliable vaccine and are now administering shots to deal this pandemic a knockout blow.”

Vaccines are critically important, Sen. Gilmore said, but she even more so for African Americans and Latinos who have suffered higher rates of infection and death than their white counterparts.

“Our hometown, historically Black medical college is putting an incredible effort into fighting this virus and protecting our community,” Sen. Gilmore said. “This vaccine works. I trust the work they’re doing and every person, Black, White or Brown, should get in line for a shot as soon as they can.”