KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Families had a chance to start out the new year with a COVID-19 vaccine in with a large vaccine clinic on Friday and Saturday.
The East Tennessee Children's Hospital and the Knox County Health Department partnered to sponsor Knoxville's first "Mega Children's Vaccine Clinic" in the Jacob Building, near Zoo Knoxville.
"This was the ideal place because, yes, they're getting the shots but it feels like a party here," said one of the attendees.
The main focus of the event was to provide vaccines for children between 5 and 11 years old. Officials said they picked the location because the parents would likely be families with Zoo Knoxville and the Muse.
Although officials said the event focused on giving vaccines for children, entire families were able to line up and get vaccinated or receive a booster shot.
Pediatricians and other medical professions were on-site, according to a release from officials. Gift cards were also given out along with boxes of food which include free hams, according to officials. Children could also play games and receive items in the 'Vaccine Bucks Store.'
People were also able to place their names in a bicycle and helmet giveaway.
Participants did not need to schedule an appointment, but children under 16 years old had to be accompanied by a parent.
On Jan. 7, the event was scheduled from 3 p.m. through 8 p.m. And on Jan. 8, the clinic will run from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. The times were scheduled to accompany working parents, according to officials.
Anyone interested can call 865-254-4793 for more information.