With COVID-19 vaccination rates lagging for New Jersey seniors and people of color — who are most vulnerable to the coronavirus — grassroots community groups are helping to make vaccination appointments.

Critics say the need for grassroots assistance underlines where the government is falling short — and that the state needs to do better. The state did launch a new COVID-19 vaccination hotline dedicated to residents 65 and older, and it’s apparently helping.

WATCH: ‘Vaccine Angels’ help residents with vaccination sign-up

MORE: Why is Hudson County at bottom for vaccines but near top for COVID-19 rate?