Tarrant County partners with Fort Worth Zoo for COVID-19 vaccine pop-up clinics – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

The Fort Worth Zoo has partnered with Tarrant County Public Health as a COVID-19 vaccine pop-up clinic until August 4.

The clinic, which offers all three vaccines, opened on Wednesday July 7 and is expected to reopen on the following dates: July 14, July 28 and August 4. Avery Elander, deputy director of communications for the Fort Worth Zoo, said they chose to hold the vaccination clinics on Wednesday.

“Wednesday is one of the most popular days to visit the zoo today as it is half-price admission,” Elander said. “So we generally see more people walking through our doors. “

The partnership aims to get more people vaccinated. As of Wednesday, 30% of Tarrant County residents are fully immunized while 33% have received at least one dose. In a briefing to county commissioners on Tuesday, Tarrant County Public Health Director Vinny Taneja reported a rising COVID-19 trends, including infection rates and hospitalizations.

Tarrant County leads in COVID-19 hospital patients compared to the rest of trauma ward E, Taneja said on Tuesday. Of the 174 patients, he said most of them are not vaccinated.

“We’re taking a turn, so things are starting to improve in the COVID world,” Taneja said on Tuesday. “The proof is there that things are improving. The positivity rate has jumped above 6%, which is not good news. “

Jasbal Singh of Fort Worth received his COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday at the zoo pop-up clinic. Singh admits his decision to get shot is long overdue.

“It was a day when I had to take off and get the shot because otherwise, again, my excuse would have been, ‘I don’t have time. I have to go to work, ”Singh said. “So, finally today I decided to do it.”

Brian Murnahan, Tarrant County public health spokesperson, said the Fort Worth Zoo pop-up vaccination clinics are also an opportunity to vaccinate more eligible children before the start of the school year. .

“Well, it’s definitely easier, isn’t it?” Exactly. Children 12 years of age and over can be vaccinated. If they’re here at the zoo and they’re ready to do it, get on board and get your shot, ”Murnahan said. “The most important thing we found is that if you can make it easier, there are still people who want the vaccine. They just haven’t been able to do it.

Tarrant County Public Health also plans to host a pop-up clinic in Sundance Square on Friday. For more information, Click here.