Gov. J.B. Pritzker announces the opening of a new COVID-19 vaccination site in Forest Park on Monday, March 22, 2021. (WTTW News)
A year after the state shut down to stop the spread of the coronavirus, officials announced the opening of a new mass vaccination site in suburban Cook County.
Located at 7630 Roosevelt Road in west suburban Forest Park, the site will open Friday to all Illinois residents who are eligible for the vaccine, regardless of where they live, according to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
As of Monday, Illinois residents who work in higher education, government and media are eligible for the vaccine, but that doesn’t include residents of Chicago. Illinois plans to make all residents eligible for the vaccine on April 12.
“With ample parking and close proximity to communities hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, this site will play a critical role in our continued efforts to vaccinate the most vulnerable residents, such as those with pre-existing conditions,” Pritzker said during a Monday morning press conference in Forest Park.
Initially, the site will be able to administer 1,000 doses per day, but it has the capacity to administer up to 5,000 doses daily, according to officials.
The site is one of five mass vaccination sites in Cook County, which includes sites in Tinley Park and Des Plaines.
As of Monday morning, more than 4.7 million doses have been administered statewide, according to Illinois Department of Public Health data. Of the state’s more than 12.7 million residents, 13.7% have been full vaccinated, according to the data.
Last week, the governor outlined his plans for reopening the state’s economy, which is contingent on 70% of residents 65 and older being vaccinated. The governor announced Monday morning that more than 64% of residents 65 and older have been vaccinated.
For information about COVID-19 vaccinations, including how to register for an appointment in suburban Cook County, visit vaccine.cookcountyil.gov or call 833-308-1988, which operates 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated suburban Cook County eligibility requirements. It has been updated.
Contact Kristen Thometz: @kristenthometz | (773) 509-5452 | [email protected]
