1,200 Received COVID-19 Vaccine Shot at Chicago Heights Event

(Chicago Heights, IL) – Approximately 1,200 residents received a COVID-19 vaccine injection on Tuesday at the first vaccination clinic organized by the City of Chicago Heights.

The mass vaccination event was orchestrated by Chicago Heights Mayor David Gonzalez’s office and Jewel-Osco and held in the former St. Kieran school gymnasium on Tuesday, March 30, scheduled from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

“The public-private partnership between Jewel-Osco and my office to establish a pop-up clinic, recruit 1,200 eligible individuals, and get vaccines swiftly and safely into arms of vulnerable residents stands as a model for government and business cooperation,” said Gonzalez. “Local government leaders and local business leaders working together to protect the health of residents against the virus is in everyone’s interest.”

Residents eligible in phase 1A, 1B, and 1B+ were recruited not only by city hall staff but also Bloom Township Supervisor T.J. Somer and township staff, according to Gonzalez.

“Both my staff and Supervisor Somer’s staff have been working the phones, reaching out to eligible residents, particularly senior citizens, for the last seven days to fill the available slots at the clinic,” said Gonzalez. “I am proud and appreciative of the hard work and commitment by workers of both offices to reassure residents about the safety of the vaccine and get them registered.”

Gonzalez also expressed his appreciation to Fr. John Siemianowski of St. Kieran and the Cook County Department of Public.

“Much gratitude is owed to Fr. Siemianowski for opening St. Kieran’s to serve as a public vaccination clinic and for working with my office, Jewel-Osco, and the Cook County Department of Public Health to organize the logistics of the vaccination,” said Gonzalez. “All deserve appreciation for their unflagging diligence and professionalism.”

Also in attendance were U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-2) and Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller (D-6). Kelly was a leader in the latest, successful federal COVID relief package that provides funding, among other items, for vaccine distribution. Miller also supported the clinic vaccination event, Gonzalez noted.

Second vaccines will be administered to residents at St. Kieran’s on Tuesday, April 20th.

davidormsby@davidormsby.com