Norfolk Tides host COVID-19 vaccination clinic during Tuesday’s home opener

Norfolk — Up until recently, taking yourself out to the ball game — taking yourself out with the crowd — might have seemed like a dilemma while trying to heed public health warnings about the coronavirus.

For over a year, avoiding crowds has been the name of the game.

But the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has been running a mass vaccination clinic at Military Circle mall for several weeks, wants to use the captive audience at the Norfolk Tides’ opening day to vaccinate more people against COVID-19.

On Tuesday, when the home team faces off with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, FEMA will offer free Johnson & Johnson vaccines at Harbor Park stadium. Anyone who is 18 or older is eligible to get one. The J&J vaccine, sometimes known as the “one-and-done shot,” does not require a booster three or four weeks later like Pfizer or Moderna.

Infection rates are dropping and state-level restrictions are loosening up, in large part because of the rising number of vaccinated people. Public health experts now say people who have been inoculated can feel safe attending many types of gatherings, especially outdoors. And for those who haven’t been vaccinated yet, getting a shot could give them the flexibility to do more activities without masks in the future.

Vaccinations will be in Hits at the Park from 5:30 to 8 p.m. during the game. Organizers say recipients won’t have to miss innings, even during the mandatory 15-minute observation, as the waiting area will be in front of the restaurant’s large panoramic windows of the field.

Those who get shots also will get a ticket voucher for any September home game.

While pandemic restrictions are in place, capacity at the ballpark will be limited to 38%, meaning up to 4,731 fans can fill the stands, according to the Tides. Social-distancing, masking, minimal contact and sanitation policies were developed to be consistent with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Major League Baseball. For more information, go to https://www.milb.com/norfolk/ballpark/covid19policies.

FEMA staff said they will bring hundreds of doses with them, and appointments aren’t necessary. To get to the clinic, fans can enter the restaurant near the first base gate.

Elisha Sauers, 757-839-4754, elisha.sauers@pilotonline.com