CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Cook County officials said demand for the COVID-19 vaccine has leveled off, so they’re trying something new to get more takers.
From now through Saturday, Cook County Health will take walk-ins at the Tinley Park and Matteson mass vaccination sites.
“Nearly 40 percent of eligible Cook County residents have received at least one shot. We are proud of all we have accomplished so far and will not rest until we ensure that all residents have had the opportunity to get vaccinated,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, in a statement. “We all know that the pandemic has disproportionately impacted communities of color and those groups are also most hesitant to get the vaccine. It is critical that we remove any and all barriers to vaccination.”
The two sites will be open from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday for walk-ins and those with appointments. The Tinley Park site, located at 18451 Convention Center Drive, will administer the Moderna vaccine; and the Matteson site, located at 4647 Promenade Way, will administer the Pfizer vaccine.
Individuals or groups who are interested in getting a vaccine can simply show up with photo ID and register onsite. People will not be asked for their insurance information, immigration status, or to pay.
Cook County Health reminds everyone that the Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine currently approved for 16- and 17-year olds. As such, it is important for these individuals to walk-in to Matteson or make an appointment at another Pfizer site. Individuals age 16 and 17 must be accompanied to their appointment by a parent or guardian.
“Cook County Health is vaccinating between 13,000 and 14,000 people every day. We have spent the last several months standing up vaccination sites, big and small, permanent and pop-up, and have done a great job getting those who knew they wanted the shot vaccinated,” said Israel Rocha, CEO of Cook County Health, in a statement. “While we have seen a significant increase in our supply of vaccine, we have also projected to see a plateau in demand. Our walk-in effort is the latest strategy to enhance access to vaccination. We must meet people where they are whether geographically or psychologically, to create equitable access to vaccination.”
Individuals can still make appointments at vaccine.cookcountyil.gov or by calling 833-308-1988, Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced 2,765 more cases of the coronavirus, along with 28 more deaths. That brings the total number of cases in the state up to 1,309,552 since the start of the pandemic, including 21,722 deaths.
The statewide positivity rate remained the same at 3.8 percent, health officials said. On Tuesday, 140,712 vaccinations were administered in the state.
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