Erie County plans prom-themed 'teen vaccine' clinics

Free giveaways, graduation party supply coupons offered to high school students who get vaccinated at SUNY ECC South, SUNY ECC North, McKinley High School

When Erie County Department of Health vaccine clinic managers scheduled teen COVID-19 vaccine clinics for Saturday, May 1, creative sparks started to fly.

Each clinic site will be decorated with a theme, much like a prom would have. ECDOH clinic staff and volunteers have assembled an assortment of giveaways for high school students attending the COVID-19 vaccine clinics.

Items at each site will vary, and range from mugs and reusable water bottles to gift cards and electronic devices. Also, high school students at each event will receive a voucher for one free 18-inch balloon from POP! Party Supply and a coupon to use toward graduation party supplies.

“Kids and teenagers have missed out on traditional events like proms and dances this past year,” Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein said. “While our teen COVID-19 vaccine clinics are in no way a replacement for those experiences, our clinic staff are making some extraordinary efforts to design a fun and welcoming atmosphere at these events.”

She added, “High school students, their parents and family members can feel comfortable coming to our vaccine sites. Large-scale COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk that this disease will spread as high school students have graduations, proms, travel, sports and other activities.”

Appointments are strongly suggested. Call 716-858-2929 or visit bit.ly/erievax.

Clinics run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each site has different links for Pfizer (ages 16, 17) and Moderna (age 18-plus).

•McKinley High School

1500 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo

Pfizer (Limited to 16, 17 years of age)

Moderna (18 years of age and older)

•SUNY ECC North

6205 Main St., Williamsville

Pfizer (Limited to 16, 17 years of age)

Moderna (18 years of age and older)

•SUNY ECC South

4041 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park

Pfizer (Limited to 16, 17 years of age)

Moderna (18 years of age and older)

Individuals unable to access online registration can call the Erie County COVID-19 information line at 716-858-2929 for an appointment.