FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2021
SANTA CLARA COUNTY – High school students from a diverse set of schools throughout Santa Clara County made it clear today why upcoming Student Vaccination Nights at Levi’s Stadium matter. They were joined by the San Francisco 49ers President, three members of the County Board of Supervisors, and leaders from the County’s vaccination operations in an urgent call to get more teenagers vaccinated.
The County of Santa Clara is teaming up with the San Francisco 49ers/Levi’s Stadium for three Student Vaccination Nights at Levi’s Stadium Tuesday, May 11, Wednesday, May 12, and Thursday, May 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Levi’s Stadium Vaccination site operated by the County Health System. These Student Vaccination Nights will provide drop-in vaccine availability for students ages 16 to 19 and their families.
Supervisor Cindy Chavez, who earlier mobilized a Santa Clara County Youth Ambassador Program to get the word about vaccinations, said it is critical for local students from diverse backgrounds to get the word out about the Student Vaccination Nights at Levi’s Stadium.
“Youth listen to other youth talk about why it’s important to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and that’s why teens played a prominent role at the news conference announcing the Student Vaccination Nights. They are also creating a social media blitz with the hashtag #49ersVaxStagePass that is outstanding,” said Supervisor Cindy Chavez.
As a special opportunity for teens and their families participating in the event, the San Francisco 49ers will allow all youth to visit an NFL locker room, provide free codes to play the 49ers Virtual Escape Room Game, and distribute limited quantities of 49ers swag each night. In addition, $10 gift cards from Starbucks or Chipotle will be provided to the first 100 teens who get vaccinated each night, made possible through the support of the Valley Medical Center Foundation. The events will also feature a DJ playing music as youth line up to get their shots, with 49ers mascot Sourdough Sam holding a socially distanced dance party.
“With more than 250,000 vaccinations already completed at Levi’s Stadium to date, this week’s teen vaccination drive represents a significant milestone for Santa Clara County and our combined efforts to protect our community,” said Al Guido, 49ers President. “High school students throughout Santa Clara County are playing a lead role in advocating vaccinations for their peers so we’re happy to provide 49ers swag, a DJ, and other surprises to help make this a fun experience for as many students as possible.”
Teen vaccination rates are low in Santa Clara County and throughout the rest of California in comparison to adults. While 73 percent of the eligible population over age 16 in Santa Clara County had received at least one dose of vaccine as of May 9, for residents ages 16 and 17, that number was closer to 40 percent. Getting these numbers as high as possible before end-of-school-year festivities and graduations take place will allow for safer celebrations.
“We have made much progress in vaccinating over 70 percent of the eligible community,” said Dr. Marty Fenstersheib, COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Officer for the County of Santa Clara. “Now, with this large number of the older adult population immunized, it’s time for teens and young adults to also step up and get vaccinated. We’re making vaccines available after hours, on weekends, and at special events like this one to help make it as convenient and enjoyable as possible.”
Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee spoke during the news conference as a concerned father.
“Our children are not immune from this virus. As a father, it has been difficult to see our children isolated from one another,” said Supervisor Otto Lee. “Getting our children vaccinated is vital for their physical and emotional well-being. With summer right around the corner, I am thrilled that so many community partners have joined us in this effort to get more teens vaccinated.”
Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg said the teens who participated in the news conference will be role models for younger children who will soon be eligible to be vaccinated.
“I’m thrilled to see our teens and young adults leading the way in getting the word out about the importance of vaccination,” said Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg. “As we look forward to expanded eligibility for 12- to 15-year-olds in the near future, our youth and young adults play a critical role in ensuring that our entire community is protected and can get back to the activities that keep us connected.”
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