Written by Tanya Terry
The Summer Breeze Health Fair, to take place May 13 at Fleming Park, will feature food, fun, music, artisans, vendors and a chance for attendees to learn more about COVID-19 and see how they can help stop its spread. COVID vaccines will be available onsite. The health fair is being put on by the North Flint Neighborhood Action Council and is one of several events in which Hamilton will be offering vaccines.
“We’ve had drive-thrus for quite a while now at our clinics,” said Tim McCarron, MHA, lead outreach and enrollment coordinator for Hamilton Community Health Network.
“We’re kind of shifting from those now that a lot of restrictions are lifted to different health fairs and that kind of a thing,” McCarron added. “So, it’s out in the community.”
Hamilton has been going into shelters and soup kitchens, as well as to food giveaways and events to offer COVID-19 vaccines to those who would like them.
“It has surprised me how many people have not only been getting the vaccines, but at these community events-how many people have never had a vaccine for COVID and now they’re coming out and getting them,” said McCarron.
He said this goes for COVID vaccines, as well as flu vaccines, which he said Hamilton will offer again in September.
In May, Hamilton will also be at the North East Soup Kitchen, Greater Holy Temple, a GCARD Family Event, the Latinx Technology & Community Center and Crossroads Village.
According to McCarron, the idea is to get out as much as possible to different areas in the city and throughout the county.
The 2nd Annual Health Fair at the Latinx Technology & Community Center May 20 features free health giveaways, health interventions and activities, food, music and games.
Senior Power Day is happening May 24. For $4, seniors can purchase a ticket for lunch, a train ride, resources and legislative updates that affect seniors and caregivers. The tickets may be available at local senior centers, and more information is available by calling 810-239-7671.
“Unfortunately, seniors are part of our more immunocompromised population. It does seem a little more important to get the word out at senior events. We’ve also been in senior centers getting the vaccine out there. For the most part, seniors are fully vaccinated. It’s just making sure we’ve covered all the grounds and that we make it as easily accessible as possible.”
McCarron said recently the CDC guidelines have changed.
“People no longer have to get the primary first and second doses, and then a booster and then a bivalent booster. Now, even if you’ve never been vaccinated before, it will just be one shot now. You don’t have to worry about coming back in a certain amount of time, or anything like that. It has been simplified a little bit, which is good. I know a lot of people were having trouble with figuring out when they had to go back and get the second shot, when they were going to be eligible for the booster and so forth. There is no longer really a Johnson & Johnson vaccine we give. We just focus in on carrying both Moderna and Pfizer. It’s just what people’s preference is. They can choose between the two. Why it’s important is it’s about keeping not only yourself, but also your family and friends safe. Unfortunately, it’s just like the flu. You don’t know where it’s at or where you might start carrying it or exposing others. It’s just better to be prepared and get your body as prepared as possible by boosting your system.”
