Johns Hopkins Medicine’s COVID-19 mobile vaccination team gave vaccines to 51 people during the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Fan Fest on Friday, Feb. 25, and Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Baltimore Convention Center.

“Many people don’t feel comfortable in medical spaces,” says Ben Bigelow, director of the mobile vaccination team. “By being out in the community, we’re removing every barrier we can. People can just walk up.”

Bigelow says many people received booster doses and some got their first dose of the vaccine. Events like this, he says, give people time and space to make a decision about the vaccine. For example, another vendor approached the team’s booth on the first day and asked several questions. On the second day, she decided to get her first dose.

“Many people are hesitant, and this gave us a way to talk about how vaccines are necessary, safe and effective, in an environment where people were comfortable,” Bigelow says. “It’s imperative to get every person vaccinated that we can.”

A CIAA Fan Fest attendee signs in to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

A CIAA Fan Fest attendee answers screening questions.

A CIAA Fan Fest attendee receives a COVID-19 vaccine.

A CIAA Fan Fest attendee receives a COVID-19 vaccine.

A CIAA Fan Fest attendee looks at information with a member of the mobile vaccine team.

CIAA Fan Fest attendees take their “Best Shot” during the event.

Members of the mobile vaccine team give information to a CIAA Fan Fest attendee.

Members of the mobile vaccine team discuss the importance of family health history.

The Baltimore Orioles mascot gets a COVID-19 vaccine.