COVID-19 Vaccination Information

July 28 - Vaccination rate continues to cause concern
The number of residents newly vaccinated has slowed significantly, causing concern among local public health officials who say vaccinations are the key to stopping the spread of COVID-19. The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that about 30,100 residents have received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine, according to state data. This total includes 29,300 residents who are fully vaccinated. The latest data indicate that about 56 percent of all residents and about two thirds of those eligible are vaccinated, which is only a slight increase in new vaccinations since last week’s report. Oak Park’s numbers are well below other communities such as Evanston which is reporting that 84 percent of eligible residents have received one dose and 78 percent are fully vaccinated. All of the approved vaccines have proven effective against COVID-19 mutations, including the more contagious Delta variant that has become the dominant strain. No vaccine has yet been approved for individuals under 12 years old and they remain at high risk to contract the virus, officials say.

July 21 - Slowing vaccination rates concern health officials
With the number of residents newly vaccinated slowing significantly, public health officials are continuing to stress the need to get vaccinated. All of the approved vaccines have proven effective against COVID-19 mutations, including the more virulent Delta variant that has become the dominant strain. The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that 29,962 residents have received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine, according to state data that reflects residents vaccinated by any Illinois provider. This total includes 29,103 residents who are fully vaccinated, which is about 55 percent of all residents and about two thirds of those eligible. The number of vaccinations increased only slightly over last week’s report. No vaccine has yet been approved for individuals under 12 years old and they remain at high risk to contract the virus, officials say.

July 14 - Nearly 30,000 residents have received at least one vaccine dose 
The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that nearly 30,000 residents have received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine, according to state data that reflects residents vaccinated by any Illinois provider. This total includes about 29,000 residents who are fully vaccinated, which is about 55 percent of all residents and about two thirds of those eligible, which is well below communities such as Evanston. No vaccine has yet been approved for individuals under 12 years old and they remain at high risk to contract the virus. 

July 12 - Yard signs aimed at breaking down vaccine hesitancy
Tens of thousands of Oak Park residents are vaccinated against COVID-19, but vaccine hesitancy still persists in our community. Oak Parkers are invited to help break down vaccine hesitancy by sharing why they got vaccinated on yard signs available from the Oak Park Department of Public Health. Residents can email health@oak-park.us to request a yard sign be dropped off at their residence or stop by Village Hall between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to pick up a sign. Supplies are limited. Residents are invited to share the messages on their yard signs on social media using the hashtag #OakParkVaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, highly effective and help protect the most vulnerable among us. 

July 12 - Students urged to get vaccinated before start of school
Now is the time for students age 12 and older not yet vaccinated against COVID-19 to get their first vaccine dose in order to be fully protected by the start of the upcoming school year. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the number of required doses. Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is the only vaccine approved for use in kids between the ages of 12 and 17, and it requires two shots given three weeks apart. With roughly five weeks remaining before the start of the school year in mid-August, health officials strongly encourage all students eligible to be vaccinated to get the shot. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, highly effective and are critical to slowing the spread of the virus, including the highly-transmissible Delta variant.

July 7 - Vaccination remains best defense against COVID-19, health officials say
Public health officials are continuing to stress the need to get vaccinated since all of the approved vaccines have proven effective against COVID-19 mutations, including the more virulent Delta variant that is becoming the dominant strain. The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that nearly 29,600 residents have received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine, according to state data that reflects residents vaccinated by any Illinois provider. This total includes about 28,700 residents who are fully vaccinated, which is about 55 percent of all residents and an estimated 67 percent of those 12 years old and older. No vaccine has yet been approved for individuals under 12 years old.

June 30 - Vaccinations among residents slow
The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that nearly 29,400 residents have received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine, according to state data that reflects residents vaccinated by any Illinois provider. This total includes more than 28,400 residents who are fully vaccinated, which is about 55 percent of all residents and an estimated 66 percent of those 12 years old and older. No vaccine has yet been approved for individuals under 12 years old.

June 23 - Number of residents vaccinated continues to grow
The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that nearly 29,600 residents have received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine, according to state data that reflects residents vaccinated by any Illinois provider. This total includes more than 28,000 residents who are fully vaccinated, which is 54 percent of the total population and an estimated 65 percent of those 12 years old and older. No vaccine has yet been approved for those under 12 years old. Public Health officials continue to urge residents who are eligible, but not yet vaccinated, to take advantage of widely available opportunities, including at most pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens. Any resident needing help getting vaccinated is urged to email the Oak Park Department of Public Health at covid19vaccine@oak-park.us for assistance.  

June 23 - Vaccinated residents eligible to win cash prizes, scholarships
All vaccinated Oak Parkers 18 years old and older are automatically entered into a state-sponsored lottery for a chance to win up to $1 million just for being vaccinated against COVID-19. Three $1 million cash prizes and 40 $100,000 prizes will be awarded. In addition, 20 kids ages 12 to 17 will win a Bright Start college savings plan worth $150,000. The first drawing is July 8. Winners will be drawn from state vaccination records through August. For more information, visit allin.illinois.gov.

June 16 - Vaccinations among residents slows, but percentage remains high
The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that more than 29,300 residents have received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine, according to state data that reflects residents vaccinated by any Illinois provider. This total includes more than 27,700 residents who are fully vaccinated, which is about 53 percent of all residents and an estimated 64 percent of those 12 years old and older. 

June 15 - Pfizer vaccine available today at main fire station
The Oak Park Department of Public Health will be administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to anyone age 12 and older and in need of a first or second dose between 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. today at the main fire station, 100 N. Euclid Ave. The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses, and individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their second shot. If you recently missed a second dose appointment, be sure to get your second shot within 42 days of the first dose. Health officials say the second dose makes the effects of the vaccine last longer.

June 11 - Oak Park joins state, county in easing COVID-19 restrictions
The Village has joined the rest of Cook County in reopening most aspects of the local economy as the state moves into Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan. In an official order issued today, the Oak Park Department of Public Health announced it is removing capacity limits and most restrictions that have been in place for more than a year to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Phase 5 guidelines do include some circumstances and settings where all individuals, including those who are fully vaccinated, must continue to wear a mask in accordance with federal guidance. Click here to read more…

June 9 - Walgreens to host second dose Pfizer vaccine clinic Saturday
Individuals who received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at the May 22 clinic in the Oak Park and River Forest High School field house are scheduled for the required second dose this Saturday, June 12 at the same location. Second doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Specific appointment times are not required, but individuals should bring their vaccine cards to be updated with the second-dose information. Access to the clinic, which is hosted by Walgreens, will be the same as for the first clinic – through door 12 in the alley between the field house and the parking garage. Anyone who is not able to attend this Saturday’s second dose clinic is encouraged to visit a local pharmacy or contact their healthcare provider to receive their second dose before June 27. Health officials recommend getting a second shot as close to the recommended three-week interval as possible. However, a second shot may be given up to 42 days after the first dose, if necessary, they say. Individuals who receive the Pfizer vaccine are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their second dose, which would be June 26 and in time for the July 4^th holiday weekend for those who attend the Saturday clinic. 

June 9 - Vaccinations among residents continues upward trend
The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that more than 29,130 residents have received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine, according to state data that reflects residents vaccinated by any Illinois provider. This total includes nearly 27,200 residents who are fully vaccinated. So far, the Oak Park Health Department has directly administered about 12,300 doses of COVID-19 vaccines and allocated nearly 15,000 doses to local hospitals and health care vaccination partners. 

June 8 - Health Department scheduling vaccine appointments for homebound residents
With convenient access to COVID-19 vaccines now widespread, the Oak Park Department of Public Health is focusing its attention on targeted vaccination efforts throughout the community, including in-home vaccinations for residents who are homebound. If you have a family member or neighbor who is an Oak Park resident and is homebound or otherwise unable to travel to a local pharmacy or healthcare provider to be vaccinated, email covid19vaccine@oak-park.us to coordinate a vaccination appointment with the Health Department.

June 2 - Vaccinations among residents continues upward trend
The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that nearly 29,000 residents have received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine, according to state data that reflects residents vaccinated by any Illinois provider. This total includes more than 26,000 residents who are fully vaccinated. So far, the Oak Park Health Department has directly administered about 12,300 doses of COVID-19 vaccines and allocated nearly 15,000 doses to local hospitals and health care vaccination partners.

May 26 - More than 25,600 residents now fully vaccinated
The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that more than 28,750 residents have received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine, according to state data that reflects residents vaccinated by any Illinois provider. This total includes more than 25,600 residents who are fully vaccinated. So far, the Oak Park Health Department has directly administered nearly 12,300 doses of COVID-19 vaccines and allocated more than 14,830 doses to local hospitals and health care vaccination partners.

May 19 - Appointments remain for Saturday Pfizer vaccine clinic
Appointments still remain for a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine community clinic set for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat., May 22 in the field house at Oak Park River Forest High School, 201 Scoville Ave. The clinic, which is hosted by the Oak Park Public Health Department and Walgreens, is open to anyone age 12 or older. Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins will be accepted – click here to schedule an appointment. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Access to the clinic will be through a door in the alley between the field house and the parking garage. Free parking is available in the high school garage, but walking and biking to the clinic are encouraged. 

May 19 - Nearly 25,000 residents now fully vaccinated
The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that more than 28,400 residents have received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine, according to state data that reflects residents vaccinated by any Illinois provider. This total includes more than 24,600 residents who are fully vaccinated. So far, the Oak Park Health Department has directly administered nearly 12,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines and allocated more than 14,700 doses to local hospitals and health care vaccination partners.

May 17 - Vaccination clinic for anyone 12 and older set for Saturday
The Oak Park Public Health Department will partner with Walgreens to host a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine community clinic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat., May 22 in the field house at Oak Park River Forest High School, 201 Scoville Ave. The clinic is open to anyone age 12 or older. Click here to schedule your appointment. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Access to the clinic will be at a door in the alley between the field house and the parking garage. Free parking is available in the high school garage, but walking and biking to the clinic are encouraged.

May 14 - Oak Park enters Bridge Phase of state reopening plan
As local COVID-19 vaccination rates continue to climb and the number of cases trend downward, Oak Park joined the rest of Illinois in moving into the Bridge Phase of the Restore Illinois reopening plan today. The Bridge Phase includes expanded capacity limits for businesses, dining, offices, events, conferences and gatherings. Health officials say barring any significant reversals in key COVID-19 statewide indicators, including increasing hospitalizations, Illinois could enter Phase 5 with a full reopening as soon as June 11. More information is at www.oak-park.us/bridgephase.

May 12 - Health Department extends vaccination registration to residents 12 to 15 years old
Parents of Oak Park students ages 12 to 15 can pre-register their children to be alerted when COVID-19 vaccine clinic appointments are available through the Oak Park Department of Public Health. Local public health officials expanded the registration criteria to include this newly eligible age category as federal officials approved the Pfizer vaccine for use in individuals 12 and older. Pfizer is the only COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in individuals age 17 and younger. Individuals who pre-register will be contacted by email to schedule an appointment on a first-come, first-served basis. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the vaccination clinic. 

May 12 - More than 23,800 residents now fully vaccinated
The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that more than 23,800 residents now are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to state data that reflects residents vaccinated by any Illinois provider. So far, the Oak Park Health Department has directly administered nearly 11,500 doses of COVID-19 vaccines and allocated more than 14,460 doses to local hospitals and health care vaccination partners. 

May 10 - Johnson & Johnson clinic open to all
The one-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine will be available to anyone age 18 and older during a drive-through clinic hosted by the Oak Park Department of Public Health on Tuesday morning (May 11) at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd. No appointments are needed from 10 to 11 a.m. Enter the clinic on Cuyler Avenue at Pleasant Street.

May 7 - One-dose COVID-19 vaccination clinic set for Tuesday
The Oak Park Department of Public Health will offer the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at a community clinic scheduled for Tues., May 11 at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd. Vaccination appointments are available for individuals age 18 and older. Click here to schedule an appointment.

May 5 - More than 22,000 residents now fully vaccinated
The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that more than 27,300 residents have received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine, according to state data that reflects residents vaccinated by any Illinois provider. This total includes more than 22,000 residents who are fully vaccinated. So far, the Oak Park Health Department has directly administered nearly 11,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines and allocated more than 14,300 doses to local hospitals and health care vaccination partners.

April 28 - Vaccination rate among residents continues to climb
The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that more than 27,000 residents have received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine, according to state data. This total includes 19,775 residents who are fully vaccinated. These numbers reflect residents vaccinated by any Illinois provider, including the Oak Park Department of Public Health, which continues to register residents ages 16 and older for upcoming local clinics. So far, the Oak Park Health Department has directly administered 10,159 doses of COVID-19 vaccines and allocated more than 14,150 doses to local hospitals and health care vaccination partners.

April 27 - Health Department schedules vaccination clinic for 16, 17-year-olds
The Oak Park Department of Public Health will host a walk-in Pfizer vaccination clinic prioritizing high school students age 16 and 17 tomorrow Wed., April 28 at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd. The clinic is open to anyone age 16 and 17 who lives in Oak Park or attends an Oak Park school. Please arrive between 5:30 and 6 p.m. Appointments will not be necessary. All 16 and 17 year olds must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and present school ID and proof of birth date. Check in at the garage door just east of the main Public Works Center entrance. If driving, please observe all posted parking restrictions. Pfizer is the only vaccine currently approved for this age group and quantities are limited.

April 26 - Health Department lifts pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccine
The Oak Park Department of Public Health is following the lead of state and federal health officials in lifting the pause on the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. After a thorough safety review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined that that the recommended pause of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should be lifted and use of the vaccine should resume. Click here for the latest guidance from the CDC.

April 24 - Health Department adminters 10,000th dose
The Oak Park Health Department administered its 10,000th COVID-19 vaccine dose when resident Gwen Lozano received her shot from Registered Nurse Patty Vodick at today’s community vaccination clinic at OPRF. Many thanks to all of the volunteers who have made this effort possible over the past few months!

April 21 - Half of all residents have received at least one vaccine dose
The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that more than 26,450 residents have received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine, according to state data. This total includes more than 18,400 residents who are fully vaccinated. These numbers reflect residents vaccinated by any Illinois provider, including the Oak Park Department of Public Health, which is pre-registering all residents ages 16 and older for upcoming local clinics. In addition to managing local drive-through clinics, the Health Department also is planning local walk-in clinics for pre-registered adults. So far, the Oak Park Health Department has directly administered nearly 9,300 doses of COVID-19 vaccines and allocated more than 14,100 doses to local hospitals and health care vaccination partners. 

April 19 - Vaccination appointments available this week in Oak Park
The Oak Park Department of Public Health is inviting Oak Park residents 18 years old and older who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 to pre-register to receive invitations for clinics scheduled for this week. Public Health officials are using the pre-registration database to send out invitations for specific scheduled clinics, but all adult residents who had previously pre-registered already have been invited at least once to a local clinic. New adult registrants are likely to be offered vaccination appointments within the week, officials say.

April 14 - More than 24,700 residents have received at least one vaccine dose
The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that nearly 14,900 residents are fully vaccinated, according to state data, and 24,700-plus residents had received one dose of a two-dose vaccine. These numbers reflect residents vaccinated by any provider, including the Oak Park Department of Public Health, which recently expanded pre-registration eligibility for local clinics to all residents 16 and older. In addition to managing local drive-through clinics, the Health Department also is planning local walk-in clinics for pre-registered adults. So far, the Oak Park Health Department has directly administered nearly 8,200 doses of COVID-19 vaccines and allocated more than 13,290 doses to local hospitals and health care vaccination partners. For the latest information about the Village’s vaccination efforts, visit www.oak-park.us/vaccine.

April 13 - Johnson & Johnson vaccinations paused
The Oak Park Health Department is pausing the use of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). This was done out of an abundance of caution due to six cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the United States, out of over 6.8 million doses given. There are no known cases in Oak Park. These events appear to be extremely rare, and COVID-19 vaccine safety continues to be a top priority. In the meantime, the Oak Park Health Department and its community vaccination partners are continuing to administer Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines as supplies allow. 

April 9 - Vaccine eligibility expands to 16-plus on Monday
The Illinois Department of Public Health is set to officially make everyone 16 and older eligible for COVID-19 vaccination on Mon., April 12. Oak Park’s vaccine pre-registration form began collecting information in late March from all residents 16 and older who want to get in line for a local COVID-19 vaccination clinic in anticipation of moving quickly to expand clinic eligibility as vaccine supplies allow. Filling out the vaccine pre-registration form does not schedule a vaccination, but it does make sure those residents who wish to be vaccinated can be contacted by the Oak Park Health Department when community vaccination opportunities arise. Of the three vaccines approved for use, only the Pfizer-BioNTech has been approved for 16 and 17 year olds, which may initially slow efforts to vaccinate those in this eligibility category.

April 9 - Opportunities to get vaccinated available beyond local health department
The Oak Park Department of Public Health is encouraging residents to take the first COVID-19 vaccine appointment they can find, whether through the Village or one of a growing number of approved sites. In addition to pre-registering to get into the Oak Park Health Department’s vaccination queue, residents are encouraged to sign up through Cook County, which is managing mass vaccination clinics throughout the area. The Illinois Department of Public Health also is managing a statewide vaccine locator to help get appointment information about opportunities at state-run clinics and even local pharmacies. In addition, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is offering vaccinations, including at Hines VA Hospital in Maywood – click here for more information. 

April 7 - Number of fully vaccinated residents continues to grow
The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that more than 12,500 residents were fully vaccinated as of Monday, according to state data. These numbers reflect residents vaccinated by any provider, including the Oak Park Department of Public Health, which has expanded pre-registration eligibility for local clinics to all residents 16 and older. In addition to managing local drive-through clinics, the Health Department is planning local walk-in clinics for pre-registered adults this month. So far, the Oak Park Health Department has directly administered nearly 7,300 doses of COVID-19 vaccines and allocated more than 13,300 doses to local hospitals and health care vaccination partners.

March 31 - Residents fully vaccinated tops 11,000
The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that more than 11,400 residents were fully vaccinated as of Monday, according to state data. These numbers reflect residents vaccinated by any provider, including the Oak Park Department of Public Health, which has expanded eligibility for local clinics to all residents 16 and older. So far, the Oak Park Health Department has directly administered nearly 6,500 doses of COVID-19 vaccines and allocated more than 12,300 doses to local hospitals and health care vaccination partners.

March 31 - Opportunities to get vaccinated continue to grow
With county, state and federal resources continuing to expand access to vaccine to all Illinois residents who qualify regardless of where they live, the Oak Park Department of Public Health is encouraging residents to take the first appointment they can find. In addition to pre-registering to get into the Oak Park Health Department’s vaccination queue, residents are encouraged to sign up through Cook County, which is managing mass vaccination clinics throughout the area. The Illinois Department of Public Health also has a statewide vaccine locator to help get appointment information about opportunities at state-run clinics and local pharmacies. In addition, many major healthcare providers are scheduling appointments with existing patients – visit your health system’s website for more details.

March 29 - Vaccine eligibility to expand to all residents 16 and older
Oak Park’s vaccine pre-registration form has begun collecting information from all residents 16 and older who want to get in line for a local COVID-19 vaccination clinic. The Illinois Department of Public Health is set to officially make everyone 16 and older eligible on April 12, but has left the implementation decisions to local health departments, since vaccination efforts vary widely across the state. Oak Park public health officials say they have begun pre-registering residents in anticipation of moving quickly to expand clinic eligibility as vaccine supplies allow. Every resident 65 and older who had pre-registered with the Village has received at least one invitation to a clinic, and invitations will soon be sent to any remaining frontline essential workers or residents with high-risk health conditions currently on the pre-registration list. Filling out the vaccine pre-registration form does not schedule a vaccination, but it does make sure those residents who wish to be vaccinated can be contacted by the Oak Park Health Department when community vaccination opportunities arise.

March 29 - Residents encouraged to pursue all opportunities to get vaccinated

Saying that the best vaccine to get is the first one available, the Oak Park Department of Public Health is encouraging residents to take the first appointment they can find. In addition to pre-registering to get into the Oak Park Health Department’s vaccination queue, residents are encouraged to sign up through Cook County, which is managing mass vaccination clinics throughout the area, including at Triton College and in Forest Park. The Illinois Department of Public Health also is managing a statewide vaccine locator to help get appointment information about opportunities at state-run clinics and even local pharmacies. In addition, many major healthcare providers are reaching out directly to schedule appointments with their existing patients – visit your health system’s website for more details. 

March 29 - Seek the shot, not convenience, health officials urge

As the Oak Park Health Department begins to dive deep into its vaccine pre-registration database, residents who receive an invitation to a vaccination clinic are urged to respond as soon as possible and not wait for a more convenient time. While no resident who pre-registered but ignored or turned down a clinic opportunity will be removed from the list, that vaccine dose will go to the next person in line. Vaccine supplies continue to be unpredictable, officials say, so anyone who doesn’t accept an invitation to a local clinic will have to wait for the next opportunity at a date not certain. In the meantime, any resident who receives an invitation to a local clinic, but has already been vaccinated, is asked to follow the instructions in the email so that the Village list can be updated accordingly. Oak Park residents with questions about the vaccine or unusual scheduling needs may email covid19vaccine@oak-park.us.

March 24 - Number of fully-vaccinated residents surpasses 10,000
The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that 10,327 residents were fully vaccinated as of March 22, according to state data. These numbers reflect residents vaccinated by any provider, including the Oak Park Department of Public Health, which currently is vaccinating individuals who live and work in Oak Park and are eligible under Phase 1b of the state vaccine distribution guidelines. The latest state data includes nearly 300 vaccinations with the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which has not yet been provided to the Oak Park health Department. For the latest information about the Village’s vaccination efforts, visit www.oak-park.us/vaccine.

March 19 - Village to follow state’s lead, expand vaccine eligibility
Beginning Monday, Oak Park’s online vaccine pre-registration form will begin gathering information from residents who qualify under the state’s latest expansion of Phase 1b eligibility, which is adding workers in government, higher education, news media and restaurants, as well as religious leaders and trades people. While pre-registering with the Village does not schedule a vaccination, it does put those who sign up in line to get vaccinated as vaccine supplies allow. Meanwhile, the Cook County Health Department has begun allowing residents from throughout the suburbs served by separate local health departments including Oak Park to register for mass vaccination clinics being held across the area.

March 17 - Village poised to begin vaccinating residents with high-risk health conditions
With every Oak Park resident 65 and older who pre-registered with the Village having been invited to a local vaccination clinic, the Oak Park Department of Public Health is poised to expand vaccination opportunities to those included in Phase 1b Plus of the state’s vaccination guidelines. Phase 1b Plus includes adult residents who have high-risk health conditions including cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, heart condition, immunocompromised state from a solid organ transplant, obesity, pregnancy, pulmonary disease and sickle cell disease. Other Phase 1b residents who have pre-registered, but not yet invited to a clinic – including essential workers and educators who live or work in Oak Park – are urged to monitor their email for invitations to future clinics. More information on local vaccination efforts is posted on the Village website.

March 17 - Number of residents fully vaccinated continues to grow
The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that 9,050 residents were fully vaccinated as of March 15, according to state data. These numbers reflect residents vaccinated by any provider, including the Oak Park Department of Public Health, which currently is vaccinating individuals who live and work in Oak Park and are eligible under Phase 1b of the state vaccine distribution guidelines. Through March 15, the Oak Park Department of Public Health had directly administered 4,951 vaccine doses and allocated another 9,322 doses to healthcare partners. For the latest information about the Village’s vaccination efforts, visit www.oak-park.us/vaccine. 

March 15 - Senior citizens urged to monitor email for COVID-19 vaccination clinic invitations
Residents 65 and older who have completed Oak Park's vaccine pre-registration form are encouraged to closely monitor their email accounts for invitations to sign up for vaccination clinics planned over the coming weeks hosted by the Oak Park Department of Public Health. First-dose clinics scheduled for this week are targeting senior residents as well as essential workers such as grocery store employees, with additional first-dose clinics planned for next week. If vaccine supply continues to arrive at the same rate as in recent weeks, local health officials anticipate completing vaccinations for eligible seniors and essential workers by early to mid-April, and then turning to individuals with high-risk health conditions eligible under Phase 1b Plus of the state's distribution plan. In the meantime, as vaccine supply grows throughout the region, residents are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to be vaccinated by providers other than the Oak Park Health Department should they arise, with the understanding that any required second dose must come from the same provider. Vaccination rates for Oak Park residents continue to outpace the county and region, according to state data that tracks vaccinations by residential zip code regardless of where the vaccine was received.

March 15 - Most Oak Park public school teachers now fully vaccinated
Following a second-dose vaccination clinic hosted by the Oak Park Department of Public Health this past Saturday, all public school educators who work in Oak Park have been given the opportunity to be fully vaccinated. About 600 second doses were administered at the clinic held in the Oak Park and River Forest High School field house, the final round for educators in School Districts 200 and 97. Employees of several licensed day care centers also were included in the second-dose clinic. Plans are underway to deliver second doses to private school educators who were vaccinated at a dedicated clinic hosted in February by the Health Department at Rush Oak Park Hospital, as well as any remaining educators who live in Oak Park but work elsewhere. Public Health officials say it could take up to two weeks following the second dose for the vaccine to be fully effective. More information on vaccine safety and effectiveness are posted on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent website – click here to view.

March 10 - Number of residents fully vaccinated continues to grow
The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported today that 7,361 residents were fully vaccinated, according to state data. This number reflects residents vaccinated by any provider, including the Oak Park Department of Public Health, which currently is vaccinating individuals who live and work in Oak Park and are eligible under Phase 1b of the state’s vaccine distribution guidelines. Through March 9, the Oak Park Department of Public Health had directly administered 4,310 vaccine doses and allocated another 8,600 doses to healthcare partners. From March 1 – 7, the Oak Park Department of Public Health directly administered 1,065 vaccine doses, as compared to 469 doses the week of Feb. 22 – 28.

March 8 - Vaccinations continue for eligible residents
The Oak Park Department of Public Health will continue its vaccination efforts this week by administering first doses to seniors and required second doses to seniors, educators and other essential workers at closed, invitation-only clinics. Residents age 71 and older who have completed Oak Park's vaccine pre-registration form are encouraged to closely monitor their email accounts as invitations have been sent to this priority group for vaccine clinics scheduled for next week. If vaccine supply continues to arrive at the same rate as recent weeks, local health officials anticipate completing vaccinations for eligible seniors and essential workers by mid-April, at which time the focus will turn to individuals with high-risk health conditions eligible under Phase 1b Plus of the state's distribution plan. In the meantime, as vaccine supply grows throughout the region, residents are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to be vaccinated by providers other than the Oak Park Health Department should they arise, with the understanding that any required second dose must come from the same provider. For the latest information about Oak Park's vaccination efforts, visit www.oak-park.us/vaccine.

March 8 - State, federal officials change course on United Center mass vaccination site
State and federal officials announced a reversal of plans related to FEMA's mass vaccination site at the United Center, which for the time being is no longer accepting registrations from those who live outside of Chicago. All previously scheduled appointments will be honored, so Oak Park residents who were able to secure an appointment at the United Center are encouraged to keep it. In the meantime, the Oak Park Department of Public Health continues to administer its limited vaccine supply as quickly as possible. Visit www.oak-park.us/vaccine and click Vaccination Tracking Information for the latest data related to local vaccine efforts. The data typically is updated on Wednesdays.

March 8 - Precautions still required in public after becoming vaccinated
The CDC has released updated guidance about how to protect yourself and others after becoming fully vaccinated. The guidance includes information about gathering with other vaccinated people and how to proceed after being exposed to someone with COVID-19. Federal, state and local health officials stress that experts are still learning how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19. After becoming fully vaccinated against COVID-19, residents should keep taking precautions in public places like wearing a mask, staying six feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces until we know more. Click here for the latest vaccine information from the CDC.

March 3 - Federal options to offer new vaccine opportunities for seniors
Oak Park seniors still awaiting a vaccine appointment will soon have additional options as a new mass vaccination site operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency is scheduled to open for inoculations March 10 at the United Center in Chicago. Individuals age 65 and older will be able to book an appointment at the United Center vaccination site starting at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow (March 4) via www.zocdoc.com/vaccine. Appointments also may be scheduled by calling 312.746.4835. In addition, the federal government is making limited direct shipments of vaccine to major pharmacy chains that will manage vaccination registration and scheduling separate from local health department databases. As vaccine supply grows throughout the region, residents are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to be vaccinated by providers other than the Oak Park Department of Public Health should they arise, with the understanding that any required second dose must come from the same provider. Phase 1b eligible residents who filled out Oak Park's vaccine pre-registration form are not precluded from receiving a vaccine dose from a provider other than the Oak Park Department of Public Health. In the meantime, Oak Park health officials will continue to offer vaccine appointments to eligible residents as vaccine supply allows. Vaccine supply remains limited and quantities vary from week to week, making it difficult to predict when specific priority groups will be offered a vaccine by the Oak Park Department of Public Health.

March 3 - Seniors urged to monitor email closely for vaccine clinic invitations
Residents ages 65 and older who have completed Oak Park's pre-vaccine registration form are encouraged to closely monitor their email accounts for invitations to upcoming vaccine clinics hosted by the Oak Park Department of Public Health. In recent days and weeks invitations have been sent to residents age 79 and older who pre-registered, but many did not respond. Health officials will continue to send invitations to residents from oldest to youngest until appointments are filled. Be sure to check email spam filters and junk folders to ensure messages sent from covid19vaccine@oak-park.us are not diverted. Seniors concerned that they may have missed an email invitation may contact the Health Department at covid19vaccine@oak-park.us.

March 1 - Focus remains on second doses; awaiting word on new one-dose vaccine
Administering second doses of COVID-19 vaccines will remain the priority this week as the Oak Park Department of Public Health sends teams to vaccinate residents of congregate living facilities and hosts drive through clinics. Health officials also will be administering second doses to educators and other essential workers at closed, invitation-only clinics. The pre-registration form on the Village website has been expanded to collect contact information for residents under 65 years old who meet the state's criteria for high-risk medical conditions. Due to limited vaccine supply, the Health Department does not plan to initiate part two of Phase 1b - called Phase 1b Plus - until seniors and essential workers eligible in the first part of Phase 1b are completed. In the meantime, the Oak Park Health Department is awaiting word on how soon the newly approved one-dose vaccine may become available here and in what quantities.

Feb. 26 - Vaccination pre-registration form expanded to include latest eligibility criteria
The Oak Park Department of Public Health has updated its vaccine pre-registration form to capture information from residents now eligible for vaccination under the state's expanded criteria. The state expanded Phase 1b criteria yesterday to include those 16 to 64 years old with high-risk medical conditions including cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), diabetes, heart condition, immunocompromised state from a solid organ transplant, obesity, pregnancy, pulmonary disease and sickle cell disease. Residents 65 years old and older and essential workers who had previously pre-registered with the Village do not need to update their information since they already are on the eligibility list. Filling out the pre-registration form does not schedule a vaccination, but only collects information necessary to contact those eligible as specific vaccination opportunities arise. Due to limited vaccine supply, the Health Department does not plan to initiate part two of Phase 1b until seniors and essential workers eligible in the first part of Phase 1b are completed.

Feb. 24 - Seniors, daycare workers join educators at recent mass vaccination clinics
The Oak Park Department of Public Health administered more than 1,000 COVID-19 vaccinations over the past two weekends at clinics held at Oak Park River and Forest High School. Recipients included eligible local public school educators, employees of state-licensed local daycare facilities and senior citizens who lacked the technology to pre-register online. Over the next two weeks, the focus will be on equitably administering second doses to senior residents of local congregate living facilities and vaccinating Oak Parkers 78 years old and older, remaining educators, daycare employees and other essential workers. Depending on vaccine supplies from the state, the Village continues to plan for broadening the availability of vaccination services across the community by allocating doses through local health care partners including hospitals, pharmacies and health care providers. The federal government also is beginning to make limited direct shipments of vaccine to major pharmacy chains that will manage vaccination registration and scheduling separate from local health department databases.

Feb. 22 - Local clinics focus on second doses as weather slows vaccine deliveries
With Oak Park among the public health agencies across Illinois whose deliveries of vaccine have been impacted by severe weather, remaining stock on hand is being allocated this week to second doses until supply deliveries resume. Among those scheduled to receive second doses are senior residents of local congregate homes that have been hot spots for outbreaks and have experienced the most deaths. As supplies allow, the Health Department will continue vaccinating those eligible under the state's current Phase 1b guidelines, including senior citizens, educators and other essential workers. In addition to hosting drive-through and targeted vaccination clinics for people who live and work here, the Village also is working to broaden the availability of vaccination services across the community by allocating doses through local health care partners including hospitals, pharmacies, doctor offices and health care providers. 

Feb. 19 - Weather slows, but does not stall vaccination efforts
As the state and federal governments warned this week that winter weather would interrupt vaccine deliveries to local health departments, the Oak Park Department of Public Health continued to allocate its limited supplies to those eligible under the current Phase 1b criteria. The Health Department had allocated more than 10,100 doses through Feb. 18. In addition to hosting drive-through and targeted vaccination clinics for people who live and work here, the Village also has worked to broaden the availability of vaccination services across the community by allocating doses through local health care partners including hospitals, pharmacies, doctor offices and health care providers. The Health Department's direct vaccination efforts this week included seniors 80 years old and older, educators and second doses for those previously vaccinated.

Feb. 17 - Local vaccination efforts targeting educators, senior citizens
The Oak Park Department of Public Health is continuing to vaccinate those individuals who live and work here and are eligible under current state guidelines. Nearly 600 public school teachers were vaccinated Saturday in a special clinic at Oak Park River Forest High School, with additional clinics for local educators planned for the weeks ahead. Senior citizens also are being vaccinated by the Health Department and through health care partners, including local pharmacies. The Village is relying on pre-registration information to reach seniors based on age, with the oldest first. With an estimated 12,000 residents eligible under the current Phase 1b guidelines - and vaccine supplies limited - officials continue to urge patience. Phase 1b eligibility is scheduled to soon expand to include those 16 to 64 years old with high-risk medical conditions, but vaccine supplies will continue to determine how soon these residents can be vaccinated.

Feb. 12 - COVID-19 vaccination eligibility set to expand Feb. 25
As the state prepares to expand current vaccination eligibility criteria to include those 16 to 64 years old with high-risk medical conditions, local public health officials say these residents likely will be weeks or even months away from getting a shot unless vaccine supplies increase significantly. The Village pre-registration form will be updated to capture information from those newly eligible in Phase 1b by the time the new state guidelines go into effect on Feb. 25. Only those newly eligible residents should complete the pre-registration form once it is updated. Residents 65 years old and older who have pre-registered with the Village will not need to update their information since they already are on the eligibility list. Village vaccination efforts remain focused on residents 80 years old and older, with plans to move from the oldest then down through the senior age category to 65 years old as vaccine supply allows. Plans also include targeting educators and essential workers in the days and weeks ahead as vaccine supplies allow. Click here to read more in the Village's latest vaccine news release...

Feb. 8 - Weather affects drive-through vaccination clinics
The Illinois Department of Public Health has asked local health departments to temporarily suspend drive-through COVID-19 vaccination clinics due to the severe cold weather. The Oak Park Department of Public Health will be working this week with local retail and medical partners to provide scheduled second-doses and ongoing first doses for Phase 1b eligible individuals at alternate indoor sites. Information on signing up for specific clinic times, dates and locations is being provided directly to eligible recipients based on the available supply of vaccine. The focus on senior citizens remains on those 80 years old and older. 

Feb. 5 - Local vaccination efforts continue to focus on oldest residents
The Oak Park Department of Public Health is continuing to focus its current vaccination efforts on the community's oldest residents, particularly those 80 years old and older. Nearly 400 vaccinations were given at a drive-through clinic held Feb. 4 at the Public Works Center for seniors 80-plus and healthcare workers due second doses. Health Department workers also have taken the vaccine directly into the community's congregate homes where many lower-income seniors and individuals with disabilities reside. Homeless seniors served by Housing Forward in Oak Park are being vaccinated by the Health Department as well. Plans are to continue vaccinating seniors, while beginning to target educators and essential workers in the weeks ahead. Patience is urged as more than 12,000 individuals who live and work in Oak Park likely are eligible for vaccination in Phase 1b, even as vaccine supplies continue to be unpredictable from week to week.