State of Illinois Launches Two Additional State-Supported Mass Vaccination Sites in Rockford and Collinsville

CHICAGO - Building on a robust infrastructure to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible Illinois residents in an equitable manner, Governor JB Pritzker today announced the launch of two additional state-supported mass vaccination sites in Rockford and Collinsville. The sites will launch on Tuesday, February 23 and each will ramp up to provide up to 1,350 doses per day at full capacity. Governor JB Pritzker is also activating additional members of the Illinois National Guard to support Winnebago and Madison counties in standing up additional mobile vaccination sites to reach rural and underserved communities.

"My administration is committed to administering the COVID-19 vaccine in an efficient and equitable manner with a robust vaccine infrastructure in every corner of the state. These new mass vaccination sites and mobile teams will build on our partnership with local health departments and help ensure we administer doses as quickly as we receive them," said Governor JB Pritzker. "As the federal government works to continue to build up the vaccine supply, every Illinoisan can continue do their part to fight this virus by following public health guidance and getting vaccinated when it is their turn to do so."

These sites build upon the state-supported mass vaccination infrastructure across the state with 14 state-supported mass vaccination sites now operating in Illinois. This is in addition to the state's mobile vaccination teams which are deployed statewide to reach rural and underserved communities. As of February 21, there were approximately 1,015 Illinois National Guard service members assisting with COVID-19 response throughout Illinois with the number of Guard members activated expected to increase as the state-assisted sites grow.

These mass and mobile vaccinations sites are managed through an interagency effort led by Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health, coordinated by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and supported by the Illinois National Guard.

State Supported Mass Vaccination Sites listed below are open to all Illinois residents, who meet the current eligibility requirements and have an appointment through the local health department.

"We are thrilled to be able to work with Governor Pritzker to bring the National Guard to Rockford to enhance our vaccination efforts," said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. "We welcome the members of the National Guard into our community with open arms. This site will be critical to vaccinating tens of thousands of Rockfordians. I urge everyone who is able to consider being vaccinated."

"The Winnebago County Health Department is grateful for the support of the Illinois National Guard to assist in the vaccination of our community against COVID-19. Through this partnership, additional resources will be provided to significantly increase the number of individuals who can receive COVID-19 vaccine each week," said Public Health Administrator Dr. Sandra Martell. "The Illinois National Guard will be working side by side with the Winnebago County Medical Reserve Corp, community partners, and the Winnebago County Health Department at community and mobile sites to equitably vaccinate and prioritize those most at risk from severe disease and death from COVID-19."

"We are happy to partner with the Illinois National Guard and community partners throughout the county to increase our capacity to administer vaccines in Madison County, especially to our vulnerable populations," Toni Corona, Director of Public Health, Madison County Health Department said.

"This community vaccination site will help us reach Rockford area residents as quickly and efficiently as possible. As the supply of vaccines continues to increase, so will our ability to combat this deadly virus," said Sen. Steve Stadelman.

"This is a step in the right direction towards vaccine accessibility. I thank the Governor and the National Guard for coming to Rockford, and I look forward to working with the both them to ensure vaccine equity throughout the State," said Rep. Maurice West.

"This pandemic has hit the Rockford area hard," said Rep. Dave Vella. "I have high hopes that these services will speed up the vaccination process and provide much needed and deserved relief. Thank you to the Illinois National Guard and the Governor for choosing us for this facility."

Mobile teams currently support the Cook County Department of Public Health, Eastside Health District in St. Clair County, Sangamon County Department of Public Health and Jackson County Health Department. Additional mobile teams will deploy to both Winnebago County and Madison County over the next few weeks. These teams will move from site to site within the counties offering direct assistance to underserved communities with a focus on those unable to visit mass vaccination sites or other clinics, including rural, undocumented, and/or Black and Brown communities. The county health departments will determine priority sites where mobile teams will deploy.

There are now more than 850 vaccination locations in Illinois open to the public. While the state is working to increase the number of vaccines administered daily, it is limited by the amount of vaccine available and allocated by the federal government.

There is no charge to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinations are available only by appointment at this time and residents are encouraged to check back frequently for open appointments. Individuals should sign up for an appointment to receive their second dose while they are getting their first vaccination.

For more information on how to make an appointment to receive the vaccine, updates on the state's plan and eligibility, and answers to frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, go to coronavirus.illinois.gov.