Illinois to Support McLean County at Local Vaccination Site

Bloomington- To help improve vaccine equity and accessibility across the state, Governor JB Pritzker today announced the deployment of additional Illinois National Guard members to assist with COVID-19 vaccination efforts in McLean County. The state is helping support the McLean County Health Department in expanding operations at a local vaccination site in Bloomington. The site will be open to those who live or work in McLean County.

"I'm proud to deploy Illinois National Guard teams and additional state resources to McLean County to ensure residents can receive their vaccines as efficiently and equitably as possible," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Nearly one in five Illinoisans have already received their first dose of vaccine, and as the federal government prepares to increase Illinois' deliveries to over 100,000 a day in the coming weeks, IDPH and our 97 local health departments are prepared to meet the moment. In the meantime, I encourage all Illinoisans to wear their masks and stay vigilant as we power through to the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic."

As of March 9, there were close to 1,300 Illinois National Guard service members assisting with COVID-19 response throughout Illinois. Throughout the pandemic, Governor JB Pritzker has called upon the Illinois National Guard as a crucial component of the state's COVID-19 response efforts to assist local health departments with everything from testing to vaccinating. With the mass vaccination sites and the mobile teams, the National Guard is supporting more than 60 vaccination locations each day.

"While vaccine availability has been limited to date, we know we have a model set-up capable of mass vaccination," said McLean County Health Department Administrator Jessica McKnight. "It's ultimately about getting vaccine in the arms and protecting the members of our community.  This new partnership will allow us to scale-up our current vaccination efforts as vaccine increases.  As long as the vaccine arrives in McLean County, rest assured we are well-prepared to work with the Illinois National Guard to administer it quickly, safely, and equitably."

"I worked with many stakeholders in the past weeks to secure extra help including the Governor's Office, Public Health, McLean County Officials, Carle Healthcare, OSF Healthcare and the Illinois National Guard. I want to thank all involved, including the Governor, for working with me on this project to get more Illinois residents vaccinated," said Rep. Dan Brady (R-McLean).

"This is welcome news, as it will result in faster vaccinations in our central Illinois communities," said Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington). "Faster vaccinations, and more vaccines, are key to reopening our local economies."

"This is wonderful news for the citizens in the McLean County area," said Sen. Sally J. Turner (R- Lincoln). "The National Guard is a resource that can be used throughout our state in many ways, and the COVID-19 vaccine is exactly what they are trained to do in emergency situations. We are hopeful that this resource will continue to be used in more areas for multiple counties and residents."

"I am pleased that the Governor is providing another vaccination site in McLean County," said Rep. Keith Sommer (R- Morton). "This is a continuance of the Interstate COVID testing site, which has been a God send to the people of McLean County. We cannot thank the National Guard enough for their service."

Update on Mass Vaccination Efforts

This week will mark an important milestone in the state's Mass Vaccination efforts as the federal-run Community Vaccination Center opens on Wednesday at the United Center.

There are now more than 880 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.

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

There is no charge to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Insurance is not required, and the vaccine will be administered regardless of your immigration status.  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.