DeKalb County and MARTA have launched a partnership to promote the COVID-19 vaccine — and there’s a bus to prove it.
Leaders from the county and the transit agency debuted their “Get Vaxxed DeKalb” campaign Thursday afternoon, unveiling a MARTA bus wrapped with colorful artwork that includes a large hand flashing a “V for victory” sign.
“The vaccination efforts happening in Dekalb County are vital in protecting people from the virus and its variants, and we are eager to support this campaign and help spread the word in any way we can,” MARTA General Manager and CEO Jeff Parker said in a news release.
About 51% of DeKalb County residents are vaccinated against COVID-19, a number that’s seen a significant jump since the county started hosting vaccination events that include providing a $100 prepaid debit card to folks who get shots.
Another such event is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Mall at Stonecrest (2929 Turner Hill Road in Stonecrest).
Anyone 12 and older — including those who have gotten shots and received incentives at previous county events — is eligible to receive the free vaccine. A choice of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be offered, and those eligible for a Pfizer booster shot can receive those as well.
Actor, comedian and DeKalb County native Chris Tucker is scheduled to attend Saturday’s event.
“We have surpassed our initial goal of 50%,” DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond said. “Now our new goal is to get 60% of our eligible population vaccinated by Dec. 1 of this year.”
Additional partners in the “Get Vaxxed DeKalb” campaign include the DeKalb County Board of Health, Medcura Health and Emory Healthcare.
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