PRLA to host pop-up vaccination clinics for hospitality industry

The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, together with Garces Foundation, Jefferson Health, Penn Medicine, Puentes de Salud, and Temple Health, has launched an aggressive 100% vaccine initiative for hospitality employees, their families, and community members with pop-ups across Philadelphia. The campaign dubbed ‘Vaccinations for All’ is a call-to-action for hospitality industry workers and owners to hit the 70% vaccination rate goal.

Currently, there are pop-up clinics scheduled for Saturday, June 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 167 West Laurel Street in Northern Liberties, where each participant will receive a $20 gift card; and Saturday, July 10, at two locations: Cottman and Frankford avenues in Mayfair, where participants will be offered $25 gift cards to local restaurants, and Garage Passyunk at 1231 East Passyunk Ave. in South Philly.

“We are continuing to see the devasting impact of COVID on the Latinx community and are happy to be part of a solution to bring vaccination equality to South Philly neighborhoods,” explains Jillian Gierke, Director of Programs of Garces Foundation.

Through the ‘Vaccinations for All’ initiative, pop-up vaccination clinics will offer flexible morning, evening, and weekend hours at no cost for those 12 and up. In addition, incentives like free cheesesteaks, ice cream, travel gift cards, and craft beer are available to encourage Philadelphians to participate. No registration or reservations are required. The initiative is funded through the William Penn Foundation.

“We cannot stress the importance of vaccinating hospitality employees and their families. Our industry, healthcare, and community partners are providing an exceptional level of support,” said Ben Fillecia, Director of Operations and Strategy Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association in a statement. “Our industry has been suffering long enough, and the faster we all become vaccinated, the better off we all are in the long run for its future.”