Grundy mass vaccine site going strong

MORRIS – The Grundy County mass vaccination site, supported by the Illinois National Guard and located at the former Shabbona School, 725 School St., in Morris, has been up and running since early March.

In that time, Grundy County Health Department Administrator Michelle Pruim said, the site has administered more than 20,000 vaccines to Grundy County residents, as well as those not living in Grundy County. The number of vaccines administered includes both first and second doses.

“As a mass vaccination site, we are asked to offer appointment times to residents outside of Grundy,” Pruim said. “However, we are committed to Grundy residents and workforce remaining a priority for appointments.”

Pruim said that eligibility now includes anyone 16 and older. (Pfizer is 16-year-olds, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are 18-year-olds). Minors (those younger than 18) will need to be accompanied by a parent. The health department is working on a parental consent form, but that is not yet available.

“The majority of people who have been vaccinated here are Grundy County residents or people that work in Grundy County,” Pruim said. “Things are going well. The National Guard has been a wonderful help to us. They have cooperated with everything we have asked of them and it has been a good partnership.

“Since we are a state-run site, we can also welcome people from neighboring communities. Because of that, it’s probably been busier lately than it was when we first started. As long as there is interest and vaccines, we hope that the National Guard can stay and help us for two more months. I think that the more people that get vaccinated helps people with their peace of mind.”

Grundy County is vaccinating people who fall into groups 1a, 1b and 1b+. An explanation of the groups can be found at coronavirus.illinois.gov.

Residents may set up an appointment by visiting grundyhealth.com. There, those who wish to be vaccinated may select the vaccine, date and time that is most convenient for them to be vaccinated. Those being vaccinated at the mass site should enter Door 18. It is wheelchair-accessible, and caretakers will be allowed to enter the site, along with the person being vaccinated.

“We also ask for the community’s assistance in reaching those persons who are not active on the internet,” Pruim said. “Please call loved ones, neighbors and congregation members to see if you can provide help in creating the appointment for them.”

The health department also is available by phone (815-941-3404) for those not active on the internet, but the staff appreciates any help with this that community members can provide.

Please visit one of the links below to create an appointment.

COVID-19 Vaccine first-dose appointments (photo ID required)

• Tuesday, April 6 (Pfizer, first dose only) – Must be 16 years old, and eligible per the state of Illinois guidelines. Must also be accompanied by parent or legal guardian if younger than 18.

https://events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/6c15f39c-ffdf-4d0b-9031-40fc4712bafa/

• Wednesday, April 7 (Moderna, first dose only) – Must be 18 years old, and eligible per Illinois guidelines.

https://events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/aa7fe8bc-a79d-4e5e-bb92-5a07c4971d38/

• Saturday, April 10 (Pfizer, first dose only). Must be 16 years old, and eligible per Illinois guidelines. Must also be accompanied by parent or legal guardian if younger than 18.

https://events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/a111de36-79cf-4ad4-b76c-e75d31758645/

• Sunday, April 11 (Johnson & Johnson) – Must be 18 years old, and eligible per Illinois guidelines.

https://events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/83597391-d4c3-408d-9c74-13258a0892dc/

COVID-19 Vaccine second-dose appointments (photo ID required)

• Wednesday, April 7 (Moderna, second dose only) – Must be 18 years old, and eligible per Illinois guidelines.

https://events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/94e9f86d-7922-4470-ba8d-61720ae58154/

• Thursday, April 8, (Pfizer, second dose only) – Must be 16 years old, and eligible per Illinois guidelines. Must also be accompanied by parent or legal guardian if younger than 18.

https://events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/b407da02-d3b3-460b-8f1a-891c923cb669/

• Friday, April 9 (Moderna, second dose only) – Must be 18 years old, and eligible per Illinois guidelines.

https://events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/bd598a73-a415-4b10-8505-d642e19b73cc/

• Friday, April 9 (Pfizer, second dose only) – Must be 16 years old, and eligible per Illinois guidelines. Must also be accompanied by parent or legal guardian if younger than 18.

https://events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/cf19b57f-03f9-43b8-9877-3446394fc26b/