Multicultural Organization Inc.: Holiday-themed COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccination event brings health insurance enrollment access and holiday cheer for children to Oshkosh

OSHKOSH, Wis. (Dec. 16, 2022) – On Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 3 – 6 p.m., Multicultural Coalition, Inc. (MCI) will hold a free holiday-themed COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccination event for those 12-years-old and over who have received their primary COVID-19 vaccination series at the First Congregational Church in Oshkosh, located at 137 Algoma Boulevard (map).

Additionally, ahead of the holiday season, those who attend the event can receive a free plush animal from Partnership Community Health Center, courtesy of PetSmart in Grand Chute. 

“PetSmart donated 2,300 stuffed animals to Partnership Community Health Center as part of its PetSmart Charities holiday drive,” explained Patricia Sarvela, chief development officer at Partnership Community Health Center. “Getting a shot can be a scary thing for a child and with the holidays right around the corner, we want to help kids feel the excitement and warmth of the holiday season.”

Families and individuals attending this holiday-themed vaccination event can learn about health insurance enrollment in Wisconsin and can even speak with a marketplace navigator about how to get signed up. Health insurance enrollment runs until January 15, 2023 and allows people to enroll in high-quality health plans that are part of the federal marketplace. 

“This is a locally-led healthcare event that is aimed at bringing the resources needed to keep people safe to members of the community,” explained Lisa Cruz, board member of MCI and president of Red Shoes, Inc. “These vaccination programs were started in the midst of the pandemic to help get our most vulnerable populations vaccinated. They’ve grown into a complete healthcare resource that provides wrap-around services and supplies to everyone without barriers.”

The community-led holiday vaccination event celebration will feature:

  • Snacks
  • Community resources
  • Free COVID-19 boosters
  • Open enrollment education and resources
  • Interpreters onsite
  • Stuffed animals 
  • Books
  • Holiday music 

MCI’s clinic will feature the Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 booster shots for anyone looking to get protected. The vaccination clinic is free and open to walk-ins. No pre-registration, identification or health insurance is required to receive a vaccination. Bivalent booster vaccines are available for those 12-years-old and up who have completed their primary vaccination series. 

This vaccination clinic is sponsored by: Red Shoes Inc., Multicultural Coalition, Inc., NEW Hmong Professionals, Pointters Community Initiatives, Partnership Community Health Center, Casa Hispana, Inc., CAP Services, Christine Ann Center, Oshkosh Public Library, ESTHER, Oshkosh Area Food Pantry, United Way Fox Cities, Wisconsin Council of Churches, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, Ascension, PRN and First Congregational Church of Oshkosh.

Photos included.

Picture1.jpg

PetSmart in Grand Chute staff with stuffed animal donation set to go to Partnership Community Health Center. Photo courtesy: Partnership Community Health Center.

pic 2.jpg

Partnership Community Health Center staff posing with their new shipment of stuffed animals that will be given to children attending the clinic and free MCI vaccination events. Photo courtesy: Partnership Community Health Center.