More than 2,100 people received COVID-19 vaccinations during DeKalb County’s latest event offering $100 prepaid debit cards to folks who got the shot.
The vaccine drive, held Saturday at the Mall at Stonecrest, was the third in which DeKalb has offered the sizable incentive; an estimated total of 5,700 shots and debit cards have now been administered through such events.
DeKalb is one of the only jurisdictions in Georgia to run a large-scale incentives program for vaccinations.
The latest festivities featured appearances by gospel singer Dottie Peoples and actor-comedian Chris Tucker.
“Being from Decatur, I am personally invested in seeing DeKalb County thrive in every way possible,” Tucker said in a news release. “We are at a critical place in our fight against COVID-19 and I’m excited to do my part in advancing the efforts in DeKalb County.”
“When we’re seeing friends and loved ones dying from this virus, it’s no laughing matter. COVID-19 has impacted so many parts of our lives so it’s important for all of us to get involved in tackling this global issue.”
As of late last week, about 51% of DeKalb County residents had been vaccinated against COVID-19. That number has increased significantly since the county began hosting events offering the equivalent of cash incentives.
Saturday’s event had been scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. but, due to the demand, was later extended by more than three hours.
“This has been a great day for DeKalb in our ongoing fight against COVID-19,” DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond said in a news release. “I thank all of our partners, employees and volunteers who contributed to this successful event.”
The DeKalb County Board of Health, DeKalb Fire and Rescue, Emory Healthcare and Medcura Health partnered with the county for Saturday’s event.
The prepaid debit cards administered to those receiving shots have been purchased using the federal coronavirus relief funds.
Debit cards are only offered at designated county events, but free COVID-19 vaccinations are offered on a daily basis at the county’s vaccination site at the Doraville MARTA station; local health board locations; through mobile clinics; and at many pharmacies and other retailers.
Visit dekalbhealth.net for more information.
