MIAMI (WSVN) - Miami-Dade County leaders received some help from the Miami Heat in their efforts to get as many people vaccinated as possible.
The two groups teamed up to host a COVID-19 vaccination event on Thursday where they offered incentives to those who attend.
The event was held at FTX Arena, located at 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
7News cameras captured Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava as she posed with Burnie, the Heat’s mascot.
The mayor said the event aimed to nudge South Florida’s least vaccinated group to roll up their sleeves.
“We know, especially young people, they got a lot on their minds,” she said. “They’re busy, going places, but no place better today than to come on over to the FTX Arena, take the shot and win a chance for some incredible prizes.”
The Florida Department of Health offered the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson shots at the event.
Officials administered shots to Florida residents 12 years old and above. Participants were required to bring photo identification, and anyone under 18 was required to bring a parent or guardian.
Those who participated in the vaccination event entered a giveaway to win one of 100 tickets to a Miami Heat game, as well as tickets to concerts by Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, Maluma and other acts.
Among those who got vaccinated at the FTX Arena was 15-year-old Valentina Jimenez, a Bad Bunny fan.
Jimenez said she came because of the back-and-forth concerning the mask mandate in schools.
“People are not going to be wearing masks, and I need to be sure of myself that I’m protected,” she said.
As the delta variant continues to surge, patients like Peter Najarro said it feels like it’s time to be inoculated.
“I kind of was going to see how it was going to go. I’ve kind of seen enough at this point, so it’s just time to do it,” said Najarro.
On Aug. 26, there will be another vaccination event at the arena. For more information, click here.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.