La Salle County to offer new COVID-19 vaccine by appointment only

The La Salle County Health Department will begin offering the new fall 2023 COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna on a weekly basis and by appointment only.

It will be offered from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Oct. 25. The vaccine has been authorized for people ages 6 months and older.

To schedule an appointment for a vaccination, visit www.lasallecountyil.gov and click on the “COVID-19 Resources/Updates” from the homepage icon. There you’ll find links to schedule an appointment for the vaccine.

Medicare and Medicaid will cover the cost of the vaccine. If you have private health insurance, you need to call your health insurance provider to see if the cost will be covered for the new COVID-19 vaccine.

If your insurance will cover the vaccine, you need to bring proof of insurance coverage and your insurance card with you so that the health department can bill your insurance; otherwise, you will be charged $191 the day of your appointment.

The La Salle County Health Department participates in the IDPH Bridge Access Program.

Important things to remember:

You must have your vaccination record card for your appointment.

If you do not have it, visit IDPH Vax Verify at idphportal.illinois.gov/s to get a copy of your vaccination record.

Day of appointment instructions:

If you do not feel well the day of your appointment, cancel your appointment.

Arrive at your scheduled appointment time.

The health department is located at 717 Etna Road, Ottawa.

If the patient is younger than 18, they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Bring your health insurance card and proof of new COVID-19 vaccine coverage (if applicable) and your vaccination record card.

Individuals should wear clothing to allow easy access to the upper portion of the arm for injection.

For additional information, call the La Salle County Health Department at 815-433-3366 or visit the health department’s website.