DuPage County is changing its vaccine eligibility as more mass vaccination sites prepare to open across the state.
Whether you're looking for a vaccine, waiting for your turn, hoping to help loved ones or just trying to make sense of it all, here's a breakdown of the latest vaccine news from across the state.
(Note: If you can't find a place near you in the updates below, click here for a complete guide of where you can sign up for the COVID vaccine in Illinois)
DuPage County Expands COVID Vaccine Eligibility to Phase 1B Plus
DuPage County moved to Phase 1B Plus of its COVID-19 vaccinations on Wednesday, expanding eligibility to residents age 16 or older with specific health conditions and disabilities, officials announced. Here's what that means for you.
Forest Park Mass Vaccination Site Opening to Public Friday
Cook County is launching its fifth mass COVID vaccination site in suburban Forest Park, open to all eligible Illinois residents. The site opens to the public on Friday and is located at the former HOBO at 7600 West Roosevelt Road in Forest Park, officials said while launching the site Monday.
Will County Opens New COVID Vaccination Site, Another Expected to Open Next Week
Two new coronavirus vaccination sites are set to open in Will County this month, health officials announced. Beginning Monday, Will County residents can begin receiving vaccine doses in Wilmington at St. Rose Church. Another site is set to open the week of March 29 in Monee at the former Second Place Church. For more information, click here.
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Other Vaccination Sites Set to Open in Illinois This Week
- EDWARDS COUNTY: On March 24, Edwards County residents can begin receiving COVID vaccinations at 230 N. 5th St. in Albion. Appointments can be made through the Wabash County Health Department at (618) 263-3873.
- CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN LAWRENCEVILLE: For Lawrence County residents, coronavirus vaccination shots open at 303 Buchanan Dr. in Lawrenceville on March 25. To book an appointment, call (812) 213-0199.
- CUMBERLAND COUNTY: Though a specific location has not been determined yet, state health officials said residents of Cumberland County can begin receiving vaccinations on March 26. To book an appointment, call (217) 849-3211.
- EDGAR COUNTY: Beginning March 27, residents in Edgar County can receive the coronavirus vaccine at an unknown location. To make an appointment, visit ecphd.org or call (217) 294-2729.
Chicago's Phase 1C Will Begin on March 29. Here's What That Means
Chicago will enter Phase 1C, expanding coronavirus vaccine eligibility to include those with underlying health conditions and essential workers, on March 29, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot officially announced Wednesday. Find out if you're eligible here.
Chicago Employers Cannot Take Action Against Workers For Time-Off to Receive COVID Vaccine
Chicago's newest ordinance says employers cannot take adverse action against an employee for taking time off to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, providing similar worker protection to last May's coronavirus legislation. Read more here.
Fake CDC Vaccine ID Cards Being Sold Online In Illinois
Scammers are cashing in on fake CDC vaccination identification cards as the demand for proof of vaccination is expected to build. The blank cards are being sold on sites like Craigslist, eBay, and OfferUp, and NBC 5 has found multiple postings in the Chicago area. Read more here.
United Center Opens Drive-Thru Vaccination Site
A drive-thru vaccination opened at Chicago's United Center mass vaccination clinic. Currently, the facility has been used only for walk-up appointments, but Tuesday marked the start of a drive-up service. Here's what you need to know.
Vaccine Eligibility for United Center Expands to 17 Chicago ZIP Codes
Residents of now 17 ZIP codes in Chicago can register for a COVID vaccine appointment at the United Center mass vaccination site. The list includes: 60608, 60609, 60619, 60620, 60621, 60623, 60624, 60628, 60629, 60632, 60636, 60639, 60644, 60649, 60651, 60652, 60653.
To register online, visit Zocdoc.com/vaccine. To register by phone, call (312) 746-4835.
Cook County Now in Phase 1B Plus of COVID Vaccinations
Cook County moved to Phase 1B Plus of its COVID vaccinations on Monday, expanding eligibility to residents 16 years of age or older with specific health conditions.
All vaccine providers in suburban Cook County have been asked to move to Phase 1B Plus beginning Monday, as have the state-supported mass vaccination sites in the area. More information here.
More Essential Workers Now Eligible for COVID Vaccine in Illinois
Some essential workers not eligible under Illinois' Phase 1B Plus will qualify for the COVID vaccine under new eligibility guidelines beginning Monday. According to the updated guidance, Illinois expanded eligibility Monday to higher education staff, government workers, and media. Then, beginning March 29, food and beverage workers, construction trade workers, and religious leaders will be eligible for the vaccine. For a full eligibility timeline click here.
New Illinois Mobile Vaccination Sites Open
Over the weekend and on Monday, the National Guard brought vaccines to rural communities to set up events that will delivering upwards of 1,000 doses of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine per day, the governor announced Monday. Only residents from the specified county will be able to receive vaccinations at the site. List of locations below:
| Mar 15 | Fayette County Health Department | 416 W. Edwards, Vandalia, IL | http://www.fayettehealthdept.org/COVID-19.html | 1,000 County residents only |
| Mar 17-18 | Lake Shelbyville USACE Dam West Recreation Area | 1989 IL-16, Shelbyville, IL | https://www.shelbyhealth.net/ | 1,600 County residents only |
| Mar 20 | Moultrie County | Location information to follow | https://www.moultriehealth.org/ | 800 County residents only |
| Mar 22 | Oil Belt Christian Service Camp, Clay County | 555 Park Road, Flora, IL | https://www.healthdept.org/ | 700 County residents only |
Read more here.
For a look at how to sign-up for vaccinations in Illinois click here.
