DECATUR, Ga.—DeKalb County Commissioners Ted Terry and Jeff Rader sponsored a vaccination event where 426 adults and children were vaccinated against COVID-19 on Saturday, Dec. 18, at the Center for Pan Asian Community Services in Atlanta.
Everyone who got vaccinated received a $100 prepaid cash card. DeKalb County is the only county in the state giving $100 to everyone ages 5 and up.
“The turnout today has been tremendous,” Commissioner Terry said. “We’re seeing a shift and acceptance in the community where more families want to get vaccinated. It’s a real glimmer of hope.”
“We know $100 incentives make a difference for people and can help ensure that if you get sick after getting your shot, and you miss a day of work or don’t have childcare, that extra money in your pocket can lessen the anxiety about getting vaccinated,” Commissioner Rader said.
“The rain didn’t stop our communities from coming out today,” said Lily Pabian, of We Love Buford Highway, one of the community organizers of the event. “With heart and help from dozens of volunteers, we served over 2,000 people with over 12,000 pounds of fresh foods, toys, Santa pics, holiday cheer, and COVID-19 and flu vaccines for anyone who wanted one.”
Vaccinations were scheduled to be administered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but the event was extended to 4:30 p.m. due to the tremendous turnout.
“We gave 83 children and 58 adults their first shot,” said Dr. Omar Aziz, of Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE). “Over 250 got boosters and 34 people got second shots. We’re seeing a real spike in attendance when incentives are offered. We are thrilled DeKalb County is offering this opportunity for its residents.”
DeKalb County, the DeKalb County Board of Health, CORE, International Rescue Committee, and the Steed Society are partnering with over 60 community organizations to coordinate, promote and support vaccine events in “low-vax” areas.
DeKalb County Continues to Offer $100 Gift Cards for COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children Ages Five and Older,
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“Smaller events at trusted community locations create safe spaces for people who are hesitant about getting vaccinated. It’s important to offer education, translators and time to get questions answered by respected leaders,” said Munson Steed, chair of the Steed Society.
Commissioners Rader and Terry assisted in bringing the incentives to the event.
“Our goal is to continue these smaller, incentivized community events throughout DeKalb County until we have shots in arms—and boosters—for all of DeKalb’s diverse residents,” said Commissioner Terry.
Members of the Hispanic, Latino and Asian communities made up the majority of holiday festival attendees. Fundacion Adelante Guatemala, CareSource of Georgia, Chamblee Charter High School, Cross Keys High School, Oglethorpe University, Los Vecinos de Buford Highway and City of Brookhaven were all partners in the holiday event.
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