ASHEBORO, N.C. — One of the Triad's largest attractions is helping more North Carolinians get vaccinated. The North Carolina Zoo is doubling as a COVID-19 vaccination site May 20-22.
The North Carolina Zoo is the largest natural habitat zoo in the world. What better way to use all that space than by giving COVID-19 vaccinations to the public?
The North Carolina Zoo partnered with the Randolph County Health Department to host this vaccine clinic for anyone 12 and older. They have both Pfizer and the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccines available.
If you missed the first day, you can still make it to the clinic on Friday or Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.
According to the zoo's public relations officer Debbie Fuchs, there's an extra bonus if you get vaccinated at the zoo.
"There is an incentive to get your vaccine here if you're not vaccinated. Upon the completion of your vaccine, you get a return ticket to come back to the zoo for free," Fuchs said.
So, can you go on into the zoo with your free ticket after getting vaccinated? It depends. Here's what the zoo's website says:
"The Zoo currently requires a reservation to enter. If the Zoo is not sold out, we will be able to accommodate your entry with the free Zoo ticket."
Larry Kessler was just one of the many that came out to get their vaccine Thursday at the North Carolina Zoo. He said it wasn't because of the free trip to the zoo, it was about accessibility.
"I think it's a great thing for the community. I've tried for the last couple of weeks to reach someone on the telephone with no luck. A friend of mine texted me this morning and let me know [the zoo] was doing this, so I came over here to get my shot," Kessler said.
If you need any more information about the clinic, you can visit the zoo's website by clicking here.