Oak Park Gets First Shipment Of Coronavirus Vaccines

OAK PARK, IL — The Oak Park Department of Public Health received its first shipment Thursday of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine, the village said in a press release. Per state and federal recommendations, the initial amount of more than 600 doses was distributed to Rush Oak Park Hospital and West Suburban Medical Center, the news release said.

Healthcare workers and those serving in healthcare facilities who are at an increased risk of exposure to the coronavirus are the first group to receive the vaccine. The village added that vaccine distribution to the hospitals will continue over the next few weeks, but this depends on supply.

“The arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine in Oak Park is something we have been preparing for since August,” Interim Public Health Director Joseph Terry said, in the news release. “We hope this marks a turning point in our community’s efforts to slow the spread of the virus.”

While Terry acknowledged that more work needs to be done in the fight against the coronavirus, he added that he was "grateful for all of the Village staff involved in the security, movement and logistics behind local vaccine distribution, and for the staff at Oak Park’s two hospitals for their help coordinating this initial delivery."

“We look forward to increased shipments and increased vaccinations in the coming days and weeks,” he said, in the news release.

Village officials added that vaccinations for all hospital healthcare workers, Oak Park paramedics and residents at long-term care facilities are anticipated to take several weeks. CVS and Walgreen’s drug stores are coordinating long-term care facility vaccinations under a national program expected to start later this month, the village said.

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In addition, village officials added that the health department isn't accepting vaccination appointments, but the health department will have further information on the vaccination process and anticipated available of vaccines for the public next month when more details regarding supply are expected.

>> More information about plans for distributing COVID-19 vaccine in Oak Park.

However, despite the arrival of initial vaccination supplies, public health officials said measures to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus continue to be essential for all residents "well into the foreseeable future." These measures include wearing masks, social distancing and frequent handwashing.

"A person can be carrying the virus and not know it. Masking and physical distancing help prevent germs from spreading if someone talks, coughs or sneezes," officials said in the news release.

For the latest updates and information about ways to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus, you can visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.

In addition, for more information and current updates on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, you can also visit oak-park.us/covid19, email health@oak-park.us or you can call 708-358-5480.

In River Forest, Village President, Catherine Adduci shared in a letter Thursday that vaccine distribution in the village will be coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), IDPH and CCDPH, and other private health care providers.

"We anticipate that the initial vaccine supply will be limited, and will be allocated to health care personnel and long-term care (LTC) residents and staff," Adduci stated.

Adduci also said that according to IDPH, the vaccine supply will increase over time and all adults should be able to be vaccinated in 2021. The village are coordinating with the CCDPH to determine our share of the vaccine distribution based on their criteria, Adduci added.

Rapid testing available

The Village of River Forest announced rapid testing for the coronavirus will be offered at First Presbyterian Church of River Forest from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, and is being administered by Covid Concierge, a Division of Event Medical Solutions, the company that provides medical services for events such as Chicago’s Lollapalooza and the Chicago Bears.

According to a news release from the village, First Presbyterian Church is providing their parking lot as good will to the community, and all tests require preregistration (available online) and cost $175, payable by cash or credit card. In addition, the village said you will get a receipt for submitting to your insurance company. The rapid test results will be emailed to you in 2 to 3 hours. Anybody can register for a test regardless of symptoms.

>> Information about other testing options, including free tests.

For more information on where to get tested across Cook County, you can visit cookcountypublichealth.org/covid-19-testing/.