INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County Public Health Department offers a Vaccinate Indy ‘tour,’ meeting residents where they are with COVID-19 vaccines and offering a host of incentives to encourage vaccine uptake. The schedule of pop-up clinics can be found at marionhealth.org/vaccinateindy.
Three clinics are currently noted for our area: June 25 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Black Firefighters Association, 1201 E. 46th St.; June 28 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Harry & Izzy’s/St. Elmo’s; Castleton UMC June 28 from 2-6 p.m. (12 and older at this clinic). Other clinics have yet to be finalized.
The east side clinic, at 9503 E. 33rd St., offers Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (1 shot) vaccinations for ages 18 and older. Visit the Web site for days and hours.
Through July 2, any Marion County resident who gets vaccinated at one of the Health Department’s clinics or pop-up locations will be entered to win a selection of prizes donated by generous community partners. Daily drawings will be held for smaller items, with the winners of the larger items to be randomly selected following July 2. Prizes include:
• A package of two Indianapolis Colts Season tickets with a signed Peyton Manning rookie jersey
• Two Half-Season Indiana Pacers ticket packages, each also including a signed Domantas Sabonis 2020 All Star jersey
• Indianapolis Indians clubhouse tickets and a jersey
• Tickets to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
• A gift basket from the Indianapolis Zoo that includes a free membership
• Fun cards for pool admission at Indy Parks
The FDA approved these vaccines through an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) process that requires clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people, rigorous evaluation of these trials, and resulting evidence that the vaccine is safe and effective. Serious long-term health problems or fertility issues have not been linked to the COVID-19 vaccine. Those with unanswered questions or concerns about the vaccine can call the Health Department vaccine hotline at 317-221-2100 between the hours of 9am and 4pm or visit cdc.gov/coronavirus or ourshot.in.gov.
The COVID-19 vaccine is free to everyone, and no social security number is required to receive a vaccine. Free transportation to a vaccine appointment is available through IU Health by calling 1-888-IUHEALTH and choosing option 9. Free childcare is also available to help parents and caregivers get vaccinated and recuperate from any short-term side effects. More information can be found at vaccines.gov/incentives.html.