Natalie Kainz
Asani Hall receives the Pfizer vaccine at St. Paul’s pop-up.
Some finally had enough information to feel comfortable. Others wanted to travel safely. Some came for the free pizza.
Whatever the reason, 30 people got their first Covid-19 shots Thursday, after six months of waiting, at a church pop-up that’s part of New Haven’s race to stay ahead of the Delta variant and contain the pandemic by reaching the unvaccinated.
The health department collaborated with several local nonprofits and the Cornell Scott Hill Health Center held the pop-up event, titled “Get the vax, periodtt,” at Saint Paul’s Union American Methodist Episcopal Church at Dwight and Chapel.
Although the event was targeted at youths, people as old as 65 came to get vaccinated — and pick up the $25 gift cards, pizza, and sweet treats offered to those who attended.
Annette Yancey watches her grandson Milton Jackson get vaccinated.
“I just had to wait for the perfect time when everyone was getting it,” said 15-year-old Milton Jackson, who received his first shot of Pfizer.
Jackson’s grandmother Annette Yancey cheered him on: “Don’t look at the needle! Look at me!”
Although Yancey was already vaccinated, she brought her grandkids — Milton and his two teenage siblings — to the event because she didn’t want to worry about them getting sick anymore.
Annette Yancey coaches her 13-year-old granddaughter through her vaccination.
“They were nervous about the needle. But I told them if grandma can get it, there’s nothing to be afraid of,” said Yancey.
Both 13-year-old Jonathan Cuapio and 15-year-old Brianna Ruffin came to get vaccinated because they were worried about getting other people sick. Their parents encouraged them to go to the event.
Tamiko Jackson.
According to pediatrician Tamiko Jackson, parental influence is often a huge barrier to youths getting vaccinated. Jackson and dietician Robert Blocker were on site at the event to answer questions from those with concerns.
“A lot of children actually want the vaccine, but the hesitancy stems from the parents,” said Jackson. “Reassurance is about making sure we get the parents on board.”
Maritza Bond.
City Health Director Maritza Bond said having clinical staff who can educate while they vaccinate is the best way to assuage concerns. Flyers were available at the event explaining how children can have “the talk” about getting vaccinated with their parents.
Flyers offered at the event.
“The plan is to have a space where kids can come and ask questions,” said Sara Keiling, Cornell Scott’s Covid-19 vaccine program director. “The more we can engage with the community and the more information we can give, the better.”
Bond said that another step in reducing vaccine hesitancy is the involvement of community leaders. That includes leaders like St. Paul’s Rev. Westin Robinson, who collaborated with the city to organize the event.
Westin Robinson.
“What better way to love one another than to get vaccinated so we can all come back together?” said Robinson, while partaking of one of the free snow cones given away at the event.
At a booth that allowed people to draw out why they wanted to get vaccinated, Karen Wilkinson wrote: I want to protect my family, friends, and myself.
Robinson’s efforts to publicize the event at church prompted 61-year-old Karen Wilkinson to attend. Wilkinson said she got vaccinated because she has asthma and wanted to be with her family without having to worry.
Patricia Norton, 62, also heard about the event through the church. For Norton, getting vaccinated meant having the freedom to travel.
“After my brother told me he had Covid, he said, ‘You don’t want to get that sick,’” said Norton. “I want to travel to see my brother’s granddaughter for the first time in Pennsylvania.”
Asani and James Hall munch on free pizza after getting vaccinated.
Asani Hall, 13, who received the Pfizer vaccine, wants to travel too — but not quite as far as Pennsylvania. Hall plans to go to Six Flags with her family once she is fully vaccinated.
“It was a good spot [to get vaccinated] because it’s safe, secure, and homely,” said Asani’s father, James Hall. He was vaccinated last month.
Attendees line up outside the Cornell Scott vaccine van.
Meanwhile, others had even simpler reasons for attending.
Jaed Avery.
“I’m just here for pizza,” said Jaed Avery, who at 8 years old is too young to receive the vaccine but tagged along to the event with his mother.
Snow cones, popcorn, and cotton candy.
Popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cones were provided by “Invite Fun Rentals LLC” as incentives. Pop songs played on loudspeakers.
Mayor Justin Elicker said that the event is an effort to combine fun with health because at this stage, creativity is required to encourage people to get vaccinated.
Justin Elicker.
“It’s basically a party here,” said Elicker. “With all the kids going back to school soon, it’s a great time for them to get their first vaccine shots.”
According to Bond, Thursday’s event was the 227th pop-up vaccination booth run by the city. Another event is being held on Friday afternoon at Transformerz Barbershop on Whalley Avenue. It will also feature two nurses who can answer questions and respond to concerns.
Thank you to everyone who is volunteering at these events to overcome vaccine hesitancy and get more people vaccinated. My family members from out of state came back home to visit because they knew almost all of us are fully vaccinated (except the ones who are under 12.) It's been two years since my elderly parents have been able to see their out of state adult children and grandchildren. Connecticut is safer because more of us are vaccinated than not. Keep up the good work and get vaccinated to protect yourself as well as others.