Orland Township Is Preparing To Distribute Coronavirus Vaccine

ORLAND TOWNSHIP, IL — Orland Township officials are preparing to administer the COVID-19 vaccine, if doses are distributed to the township, according to Supervisor Paul O'Grady. Although planning for distribution is under way, O'Grady said officials are not aware of plans for the vaccine to be released to the township yet.

The township has experience with vaccine administration, and O'Grady said officials are well positioned to help lead the local effort to distribute the forthcoming COVID-19 vaccine to residents.

“Vaccinating the residents of Orland Park, Tinley Park, Orland Hills and surrounding communities will present any number of challenges, from managing traffic to reminding individuals to return for the second dose of the vaccine within the necessary timeframe,” O’Grady said in a statement. “The professionals at Orland Township know how to address those challenges because we’re already doing that throughout the year.”

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Orland Township hosts monthly immunization clinics and an annual drive-thru flu shot clinic. During the pandemic, the Township expanded the drive-up option at regular flu-shot clinics so residents can receive the flu and /or pneumonia vaccine without leaving their vehicles. O'Grady said Township nurses have been available to make house calls to administer flu and pneumonia vaccines to senior residents at home.

The township said it has strong and productive relationships with local mayors, school superintendents, law enforcement and fire protection district chiefs, businesses, churches, nonprofits and other stakeholder organizations that they say are naturally suited to bolster vaccine distribution on such a massive scale.

“Residents of our region expect all of us to be coordinating our resources so that the COVID-19 vaccine is allocated equitably, across the region, and in accordance with our state’s distribution plan,” O’Grady said. “Orland Township is committed to ensuring our constituents receive the quality level of service they deserve.”

The township provides programs and services from back-to-school health fairs and grocery distributions, to fitness classes for seniors and youth and family counseling services, to residents of Orland Park, Tinley Park and Orland Hills and unincorporated areas within these boundaries. The Township says they keep residents regularly apprised of important developments and is prepared to help ensure the public stays informed about the specifics of the vaccine rollout.

“All of us at Orland Township, from staff to volunteers, are proud of our efforts to meet residents’ needs and enhance their quality of life by providing exemplary and convenient services,” O’Grady said. “It would be our privilege to support the Cook County and state public health departments, during this critical time, to distribute of the COVID-19 vaccine. Let’s work together and bring this crisis to a close.”