SPRINGFIELD, Mo.- The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is offering big prizes for those who get vaccinated at upcoming vaccine events.
According to the Health Department, each person taking the step to become fully vaccinated by getting a first or second dose at the events will receive a $50 gift card. Participants will also be entered into a drawing to win $15,000 in prizes donated by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
Prizes include:
- PlayStation 5
- Apple iPad
- Backyard Discovery Playset
- Season passes to Silver Dollar City, White Water and Wonders of Wildlife.
- And more.
The available vaccine events will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on November 20 and December 11. at either Williams Elementary and at 1425 E. Battlefield Road, where the Health Department has been vaccinating residents.
“Everyone over five years of age is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the Winter Vaccine Events. Booster doses will also be available for people in the community who are eligible for a booster. Individuals who are unsure of their eligibility or if a booster dose is recommended for them can use the Booster Eligibility Questionnaire for guidance,” the Health Department says.
The Health Department says those who receive their first dose on November 20 will be eligible for their second dose on December 11 and will be considered fully vaccinated just in time for Christmas.
Springfield Public Schools and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks are partnering with the Health Department for these vaccine events.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department hosted a briefing to provide an update on the COVID-19 vaccination effort in Greene County.
According to the Springfield Greene County Health Director, Katie Towns, more than 52% of Greene County residents have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Towns also spoke about the recent approval of the Pfizer vaccine for children.
“We are excited to continue collaborating with our community to protect our kids,” said Towns. “Since the vaccine was approved for this age group last week, the health department has administered more than 300 pediatric vaccines.”
Towns is encouraging parents to allow their children to receive the vaccine to help protect them from the effects of COVID-19.
“The science tells us the vaccine is safe and effective and it will help us put this pandemic behind us,” said Towns.
Despite the vaccine being available, there is still a large population that is unvaccinated.
“We are watching the trend right now,” said Towns. “The thing that we have to keep in mind is we still have a significant population that’s not vaccinated. There may be some natural immunity that they’re carrying if they had COVID this summer and they are recovered but that immunity does wane, and that wanes faster than the immunity that you develop from the vaccine.”
