Six months after Cook County’s last three COVID-19 mass vaccination sites shuttered, officials announced Friday that those locations will reopen amid the omicron variant surge.
The Forest Park, Matteson and Des Plaines mass vaccination sites will be set up and reopened over the course of the next week. Those three locations were the last to close in July after officials cited waning demand for shots and the need for a “hyperlocal” strategy to change people’s minds about getting the vaccine.
The locations will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. While walk-ins are accepted, those who make an appointment at vaccine.cookcountyil.gov will be prioritized.
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“While we have sufficient vaccine supply across Cook County, we know that physicians’ offices and pharmacies are not staffed to accommodate the significant demand for COVID vaccinations,” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said in a statement. “With support from the State, we look forward to creating broader access to vaccination for individuals across the county.”
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Health officials continue to encourage anyone ages 5 and up to get vaccinated, and those 12 and up to get booster shots. Suburban Cook County is reporting 80% of residents having gotten at least one dose, but less than 40% have gotten a booster as the highly contagious omicron variant is surging.
“The most serious health outcomes caused by this virus, serious illness and death, are now largely preventable thanks to exceptional vaccines,” Israel Rocha, CEO of Cook County Health, said. “It is critical that we get more shots in arms.”
One-day mass vaccination clinics were also scheduled for Sunday in the collar counties, according to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office. His administration added that it is partnering with 12 counties’ local health departments to stand up mass vaccination sites there as well.
ayin@chicagotribune.com
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