Health & Fitness

Over 1,000 People Get COVID Vaccinations In DeKalb County

A county vaccine event, which featured NBA stars Dikembe Mutombo & Dominique Wilkins, had to be closed off early due to high turnout.

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — More than 1,100 people got vaccinated against COVID-19 over the weekend in DeKalb County, and even got to see two NBA legends while doing it.

NBA stars Dominique Wilkins and Dikembe Mutombo attended the county's vaccination event at The Gallery at South DeKalb Mall on Saturday to greet and encourage people to get vaccinated, county officials said in a news release. Everyone who got vaccinated also received $100 prepaid debit cards.

The county even had to shut down entry to the event early due to getting such a high turnout. A total of 1,158 vaccinations were administered, county leaders said.

Find out what's happening in Decatur-Avondale Estatesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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

As of Aug. 15, 53 percent of DeKalb County residents have had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 46 percent are fully vaccinated.

Find out what's happening in Decatur-Avondale Estatesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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