WEST CHICAGO – More than 2,000 Illinoisans received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Monday at an event hosted by Wheaton Bible Church, State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) and a variety of community partners. 

“Our West Chicago neighbors are some of those hardest hit by the devastating effects of this pandemic,” Villa said. “I have been working tirelessly alongside local organizations and community leaders to advocate for more vaccines for our community.”

The vaccination event was an effort by Wheaton Bible Church, Jewel-Osco, Senator Villa, State Representative Maura Hirschauer (D-West Chicago), Wayne Township, Puente Del Pueblo, People Made Visible, School District 33, School District 94, Casa Michoacan, People’s Resource Center, Pediatric Health Center, St. Andrew’s Church, and WeGo Together for Kids.

The event partners worked to register community members without internet access and older adults who would not usually be able to register for vaccination clinics.

“There’s no better feeling than seeing our COVID-19 vaccination rates increase while positivity rates decrease,” Villa said. “As vaccine eligibility expands in the coming weeks, we must check on our family, friends and neighbors to ensure nobody is hesitating to get in line for the vaccine when it’s their turn.”

Residents who received the vaccine Monday will be able to get their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from Jewel-Osco at the next community vaccination event on April 12.