First 500 eligible people to be vaccinated will receive $100 gift card

DECATUR, Ga. – The DeKalb County Board of Health will host a COVID-19 vaccination event this Saturday, Oct. 16, to mark the conclusion of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Board of Health event, in partnership with the City of Doraville, DeKalb County Commissioners Robert Patrick (District 1) and Lorraine Cochran-Johnson (Super District 7), DeKalb County Government, Latin American Association (LAA) and Latino Community Fund Georgia (LCF Georgia), will be held at the Board of Health’s existing vaccination site, located in the parking lot of the Doraville MARTA Transit Station, at 6000 New Peachtree Rd., in Doraville, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

“Only 44% of Hispanic residents in DeKalb County have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine,” said DeKalb County District Health Director Sandra Valenciano, M.D., M.P.H. “Ensuring that we provide vaccine access to our community not only creates individual protection against COVID-19, but also safeguards family, friends, and those not yet eligible to receive the vaccine.

The first 500 eligible people to get a COVID-19 vaccination will receive at $100 gift card, provided by the City of Doraville and DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer vaccines will be offered.

“I’m elated to partner with the DeKalb County Board of Health and many of our community partners to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines in District 1 and the northern portion of DeKalb County,” said DeKalb County
District 1 Commissioner Robert Patrick. “Each vaccine administered brings us one step closer to returning to a sense of normalcy.”

DeKalb County Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson echoed Patrick’s sentiments.

“I am very excited and happy to lend my support to getting the vaccination rate up in our Latinx community. As we enter flu season, we are at a critical point in our fight to reach herd immunity.”

COVID-19 vaccinations are provided at no cost. Those attending are asked to bring the following to Saturday’s event:

• A Mask – Attendees are asked to wear a mask while at the event. Masks will be provided to those who do not have one.
• CDC Vaccination Card – Individuals who have already received a first dose or second dose of
  COVID-19 vaccine should bring their CDC card to verify doses given.
• Identification (ID) – If an ID is unavailable, vaccination will still be provided. No proof of citizenship is required.
• Insurance Card – No one will receive a bill from the DeKalb County Board of Health or their insurance company.  If covered by insurance, an administration fee may be applied for Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance. Not having insurance will not prevent anyone from getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Language barriers should not determine who gets a vaccine,” said Doraville Mayor Joseph Geierman. “This is a virus that doesn’t care what color your skin is, where you were born, or what language you speak. We have a responsibility to do everything in our power to ensure everyone is equally protected. We must keep working until every DeKalb family has had the opportunity to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine or call 888-357-0169. For event information, contact the DeKalb County Board of Health via e-mail at dekalb.covid19@dph.ga.gov or call 404-294-3700.