ROCHESTER, N.Y. —The Monroe County Department of Public Health, VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System and Common Ground Health are teaming up this Lilac Festival to convince as many as possible to get the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

Jackie Dozier of Common Ground Health greeted festival goers at the entrance

"We've had a few individuals that haven't been vaccinated that actually, were on the fence about getting vaccinated, but ended up going over there and getting vaccinated,” said Dozier. “Just being able to interact with people face to face. We haven't been able to do that in a while because of COVIDm and so it's just great to be able to walk up to folks and say 'have you been vaccinated?'"

Lisa Lehning of VA Fingerlakes said the tent was organized because the president signed the Save Lives Act in March, which allowed them to vaccinate any veteran instead of just the ones enrolled in their healthcare system.

They also wanted to expand eligibility to anyone over the age of 18, so they added the county health department.

"You are already here to enjoy the Lilac Festival. If you have been on the fence about getting the vaccine, well then come and talk to us,” said Lehning. “We have a psyhician, a nurse practitioner on site. They can answer your questions."

Both Lehning and Kathy Hiltunen of the Monroe County Department of Public Health hope the vaccine tent can set a new precedent for future events.

"We are available for any festival or large event,” said Lehning. “It is important for us to get there."

"We gotta get back to normal, and one way to get back to normal to open the economy up is for all of us to get vaccinated that are eligible,” added Hiltunen.

The vaccine clinic will continue at the festival entrance from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekend through May 23.

Those interested in getting either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine can also schedule an appointment there.