HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — Suffolk County on Monday announced a new initiative to get children 12 and older vaccinated against COVD-19 before they return to summer camps.
Summer camps begin in just three weeks across Long Island and this year, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone says the county is launching Camp Vax to encourage kids to get their shot against coronavirus.
“Them getting the vaccine, not only this is benefiting them and their families in terms of their own health, it's helping everyone in the community because it brings us closer to that herd immunity number,” Bellone explained of the push to get kids vaccinated.
While Camp Vax will not be a physical location, the program will include prizes to get kids out of the house to have a summer full of fun.
Any child who received the vaccine will be eligible for free ice cream cones and tickets to local fun places, like Adventureland Amusement Park in Farmingdale.
Adventureland owner Steven Gentile says they’re excited to be apart of the initiative to welcome kids and their families back to the amusement park.
“You come to Adventureland you’re going to see these kids, you’ll cry. Just getting the families back together and something like this, Camp Vax is one step – hopefully it's the final step – to get these kids and our families vaccinated so we can get back to normal,” he said.
Bellone says 70% of Suffolk County residents received at least one shot so far but, he says it’s still critical to get the younger people vaccinated.
“If you haven't done enough to put the virus behind you, this virus will be back,” Bellone warned.
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