As federal agencies have made COVID-19 vaccines available to more people, including children as young as 5, state and county health authorities are coming up with new ways to conveniently deliver doses of the vaccine as widely as possible.
One of the newest venues for administering vaccines, at least here in the western suburbs, is at local libraries.
The Illinois Department of Public Health, for example, will host a pair of free vaccine clinics at the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, on Nov. 17 and Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Friends Terrace room, formerly known as the Quiet Reading Room.
“They approached us because they believe people trust libraries, so going into them is easier,” said Riverside Library Director Janice Foley.
These particular clinics are for those ages 12 and older and IDPH recommends that those interested in getting a vaccine register online by clicking here, although they may be able to accommodate walk-ins if there is enough doses to do so, said Foley.
All three vaccines will be available at the Riverside clinics — Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson – and can be administered as first, second or booster doses, depending on the person receiving the shot.
Walk-up clinics in North Riverside
Meanwhile, the Cook County Department of Public Health will host a pair of walk-up COVID-19 vaccine clinics on Nov. 18 and Dec. 9 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave.
Library Director Natalie Starosta said the clinic is on a first come, first served basis, so no registration is necessary. Pfizer-BioNTech doses will be available for any person age 5 and older. First dose, second dose and booster doses will be available to those requesting them.
If the weather allows, the clinic will be conducted in the parking lot of the library. If weather is poor the clinic may be held in the library’s meeting room.
You can find information on the COVID-19 vaccines and information on other clinics at coronavirus.illinois.gov or by calling 800-621-1284.
