A Message from Katarzyna Skura, MD
I hope you are doing well. Many patients have called regarding when and where the COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed in our community, and I wanted to share the latest information with you. As the situation remains fluid, I encourage you to check the websites below for updates.
Please be aware that vaccine sign-up registries differ by area, as follows:
Lake County has established an online registry enabling residents to sign up and be scheduled for a vaccine when it is made available to their tier. If you are a Lake County resident, CLICK HERE to register or call the Lake County Health Department at (847) 377-8130.
Suburban Cook County has posted an online survey tool to gauge demand and help plan for distribution as additional vaccine becomes available. While this is NOT a vaccine registry, I encourage you to complete the survey as you will be added to the list to receive updates on COVID-19 vaccine availability, timing and scheduling. If you are a resident of suburban Cook County, CLICK HERE to fill out the survey.
The city of Chicago is not offering public registration for the COVID vaccine at this time. If you are a Chicago resident, please CLICK HERE for Chicago’s COVID vaccine site. Check regularly for updates on registration and clinic information as additional groups are recommended for vaccine and clinics are scheduled. The city indicates that federal and state guidelines will be followed for distribution prioritization, based on risk. Next week, it is reported that Chicagoans 65 and older will start to receive immunizations if there are doses available after health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities are vaccinated.
McHenry County is not offering an online registry for residents at this time, but plans to make it available in the future. If you are a resident, the county suggests signing up for e-notifications to be informed when the electronic registration form for the COVID vaccine will be open to the general public. CLICK HERE for signup instructions.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is not scheduling COVID vaccination appointments at this point, but check the website for updates: CLICK HERE.
The initial supply of the vaccine is limited and being given first to healthcare workers and long-term care facility residents. The next tier will include people over 75 and essential workers such as teachers, police officers and firefighters, followed by people ages 65 to 74 with certain underlying health conditions. It is anticipated that all adults in Chicago and surrounding counties should be able to receive the vaccine later in 2021.
I will continue to provide email and website updates on COVID-19 vaccine distribution in our area. As always, patients are welcome to call me at any time.