Pop-up vaccinations sites opened up on Long Island Monday in hopes of making sure hard-hit minority communities have access to the shots.

Patricia Mack and her husband Henry, of Westbury, were not sure if and when they would be able to get the coronavirus vaccine. But their prayers were answered at Union Baptist Church in Hempstead, where Nassau County launched an effort to get the vaccine to Black and Brown community members.

"We have stood over many caskets over the past 11 months of people who lost their lives," says Bishop Lionel Harvey, of First Baptist Church of Westbury.

Nassau County says the pop-up vaccination site is one of many that will be placed in minority community centers as vaccine doses, which have been limited, become available.

"This is a way of making sure this is being done fairly, equitably and smartly," says Nassau Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein.

In Suffolk, a similar effort is underway in Bellport by county police officers who are EMT-trained.

"They are absolutely thrilled to be able to be here and help the community and help the county get through this event," says Suffolk Police Chief Stuart Cameron.

Many of those who received the vaccination said it was appropriate that it is was offered on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

"Very fitting because it is something that Dr. King would have wanted, for the undeserved communities to be served," says John Lowery, of Hempstead.

Both Nassau and Suffolk County officials say as more vaccination doses become available, more sites in minority communities will be announced.