Albuquerque Community Invited to Free Family Vaccine Clinic
May 15, 2023 – Visitors of all ages can enjoy a free family fun day at the upcoming Family COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic on May 20 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Tingley Beach.
The ABQ BioPark is partnering with Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Premier Medical Group, Albuquerque Public Schools, and the New Mexico Department of Health to offer the clinic, as well as another vaccine clinic at the Botanic Garden on June 10.
At both events, families can get a free COVID-19 vaccine. Families will receive an Arts & Culture Pass for up to four free admissions to the ABQ BioPark Zoo, Aquarium and Botanic Garden, the Albuquerque Museum and the Balloon Museum, while supplies last. The first 100 people will also recieve a $25 gift card. To learn more, visit the ABQ BioPark site. Guests do not need to visit the Arts & Culture facilities on the day of the event, and may redeem them any time before June 30, 2023. At the June 10, 2023 clinic the NM Coalition to Enhance Vaccine and Comadre provide water, $10 Valero gas cards, fresh produce grocery bags from MoGro, T-shirts and free test kits for first 100 people vaccinated (while supplies last).
To help families prepare for vaccinations, BioPark animal care staff are sharing how they get animals ready for vaccines in this video, which includes footage of Hasani the Gorilla voluntarily receiving his COVID-19 vaccine. A Spanish language captioned video also available.
“We hope our visitors will be inspired by some of their favorite animals to get vaccinated and then enjoy a great day at some of the city’s attractions,” said Allyson Zahm, ABQ BioPark Guest Expereince Manager. “We are honored to partner with Presbyterian Healthcare Services to offer this essential service to our community.”
At the vaccine clinic, the COVID-19 primary series will be available for ages 6 months and older. Omicron (bivalent) boosters will be available according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. No appointment, insurance or ID is required. Participants are asked to bring vaccine cards. A parent or guardian must accompany vaccine recipients under the age of 18 and provide written consent at the event.
Presbyterian organizes vaccine events across New Mexico with support from federal grant funding. Vaccines are provided by medical professionals who are contracted by the New Mexico Department of Health.
“These events are a great collaborative effort to ensure everyone in our community has easy and convenient access to vaccines,” says Leigh Caswell, Vice-President of Community and Health Equity at Presbyterian Healthcare Services. “We hope families will attend to have fun and stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines.”
Funding for this event provided in part by REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health) Partnering for Vaccine Equity (P4VE), a national program administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities.