Health Department partners with Fire Department, Park Board to bring COVID-19 vaccine to the community

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Fire Chief David Pennington vaccinates an individual at the May 7 Fire Station Fun Day & Vaccine Clinic.

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is partnering with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board to hold COVID-19 vaccine clinics at parks and recreation facilities. The Health Department and Park Board worked together to identify locations in areas with low rates of vaccination and where the most people could be reached.

This partnership represents the Health Department’s ongoing commitment to meeting people where they are to make vaccinations more accessible. Clinics are planned for Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, Dickerson Park Zoo, Jordan Valley Ice Park and the family centers. 

“Promoting health and wellness for our residents is central to the Park Board’s mission,” said Parks Director Bob Belote. “We have worked hand-in-hand with the Health Department since the early days of the pandemic, and we remain committed that partnership, which has been vital to the health and safety of everyone in our facilities. We are proud to host vaccination clinics in a number of Parks locations, and we’re offering special incentives for everyone who gets their vaccine on location.” 

Springfield firefighters who are licensed emergency medical technicians (EMTs) will serve as volunteer vaccinators at several upcoming vaccine events. The Fire Department held two Fire Station Fun Day & Vaccine Clinics May 7 and June 4 at Fire Station 8.

“The Park Board, the Fire Department and the union have been invaluable partners in preventing the spread of COVID-19. We are pleased to extend that strong partnership to include the vaccination effort,” said Acting Director of Public Health Katie Towns. “By working with us to reach more parts of our community, they are  helping save lives.”

While walk-ins are always welcome, individuals may save time by registering for clinics in advance at covidvaccine.mo.gov/navigator. Individuals who pre-register should bring their ID and Vaccine Navigator patient identification number with them to the event. Individuals 12-17 must have parent/guardian consent. 

For questions about the vaccine, call the Springfield-Greene County Health Department’s COVID-19 hotline at 417-874-1211.

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