Over 1,000 people turn out to see Hawks legends and get COVID-19 vaccines

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Maybe it was the lure of $100 prepaid debit cards or perhaps a chance to meet Atlanta Hawks legends Dikembe Mutombo and Dominique Wilkins, but over 1,000 people showed up to get a COVID-19 vaccine in DeKalb County Saturday morning.

The total number of shots administered was 1,158.

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The county used the lure of gifts and the basketball stars to encourage residents to get their vaccines during the event held at The Gallery at South DeKalb on Candler Road.

County officials posted photos showing the long line of cars and residents patiently waiting to get their free vaccines.

“DeKalb County has developed a blueprint for success in the fight against COVID-19,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “We had the right message, respected messengers, a convenient location and an attractive incentive.”

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said the county is putting on the “full-court press” to get its residents vaccinated.

“The Atlanta Hawks and DeKalb County Government are running a full-court press against the deadly COVID-19 virus,” Thurmond said.

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Channel 2 Action News spoke with Wilkins about the vaccine drive. Wilkins stressed the importance of taking in as much information as you possibly can.

“We’ve got to use the options put before you and get off the fence man. Get vaccinated,” Wilkins said. “Because there are other variants that are coming out or out already. So we’ve got to do what’s necessary to take care of ourselves.”

Wilkins, Mutombo, Thurmond and current Hawks players John Collins and Trae Young did a public service announcement about getting vaccinated and did several radio spots leading into the event Saturday morning.

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As COVID-19 cases rise in Georgia, more people dealing with long-term symptoms As the number of COVID-19 cases in Georgia continue to rise, so does the potential for more people to deal with “long COVID.”

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