GLENVIEW – To keep suburban Cook County residents abreast of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution process, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is urging residents to sign up to receive updates, scheduling information and other important notifications on the new Cook County COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program website.

“We’re entering Phase 1B of the state’s vaccination plan, which means more Illinoisans are eligible to be vaccinated and more vaccination sites are opening up,” Senator Fine said. “I encourage older residents and front-line essential workers to register for updates to make sure they know when it’s their turn to get vaccinated.”

Phase 1A of the state’s vaccination plan prioritized health care workers. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Phase 1B comprises residents over age 65 and front-line essential workers who carry a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure because they are unable to work from home or their work does not allow for safe social distancing. This includes:

• First responders
• Teachers, principals, classroom aides and other school staff
• Food and agriculture workers
• Manufacturing workers
• Corrections officers and inmates
• Postal workers
• Public transit workers
• Grocery store workers
• Shelters and day care staff

Residents of suburban Cook County who think they are eligible to be vaccinated in Phase 1A or 1B are encouraged to visit https://vaccine.cookcountyil.gov/ and enter their information to be connected with a vaccine provider. Those without access to the internet can reach the Call Center 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1-833-308-1988.

Cook County Health will offer appointment slots based on the amount of vaccine on hand and will add appointments as new vaccine shipments arrive. The first community vaccination site in Cook County opened Jan. 26 at the Tinley Park Convention Center. Vaccination sites at pharmacies and other locations are being added daily.

“We are expecting more shipments from the federal government soon, but supplies of the vaccine are limited at this time, so I urge everyone to be patient during the rollout,” Senator Fine said.