Lake County Partners today announced the upcoming opening of two new COVID-19 vaccination sites in Zion, Illinois with support from Horizon Therapeutics, Lundbeck, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda), iBIO and the Lake County Health Department. Free vaccinations for community members ages 16 and older will be provided on select days at Zion-Benton Township High School New Tech Campus and at the former K-Mart plaza in Zion.
Starting the week of Monday, April 26, appointments will be offered for high school students at the Zion-Benton Township High School New Tech Campus at 1634 23rd Street in Zion, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Beginning on Monday, May 3, appointments will be offered to the wider Zion community at the Zion-Benton Township High School New Tech Campus on Mondays and Tuesdays, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Starting Wednesday, May 5, appointments will also be offered to community members on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the former K-Mart plaza at 3363 Sheridan Road in Zion, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Appointments are encouraged due to demand; however, some walk-ins will be available. People with questions about the Zion vaccination sites can contact Passport Health at (866) 816-0923.
“This initiative is a phenomenal example of corporate leadership, and I can think of no better instance of companies giving back to the community than this. Thank you to Horizon Therapeutics, Lundbeck, Takeda and iBIO for partnering with us and the Health Department to meet such a vital need,” said Richard Korengold, Senior Managing Director at Mesirow Financial and Chair of the Lake County Partners Board of Governors.
“Lake County is home to our U.S. headquarters, and we have had the resources available to provide consistent support to the community during the pandemic. In addition to previous funding to address the various needs of residents impacted by COVID-19, we are thrilled to join together with our life science colleagues to support this clinic, which will help address the most critical part of the pandemic – providing access to vaccines in order to protect all our community members,” said Tim Walbert, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Horizon.
“This cooperative approach aligns with Lundbeck’s core values and is yet another way we’re supporting both mental and physical health during the pandemic,” said Peter Anastasiou, executive vice president and head of North America. “Joining together with partners to ensure Zion residents have access to vaccines fulfils our promise to make a difference in the communities where we live and work.”
“We’re proud to support Lake County as it provides important access to COVID-19 vaccines for local residents,” said Hema Tallman, global head of BioLife Plasma Services at Takeda and site head for the company’s Bannockburn, Illinois location. Throughout the pandemic, Takeda has been committed to supporting our patients, communities and employees, and this is one more way that we are helping to promote more equitable access to quality healthcare to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Importantly, the sites will accommodate walk-ins, which means that we will be able to serve residents who have not been able to register for the vaccine online. We’re looking forward to providing thousands of vaccines in a timely manner, especially to those who need it,” said John Conrad, President and CEO at iBIO.
Zion-Benton Township High School is helping to roll out the clinics. High School students will gain valuable volunteer experience as they work alongside community members to ensure that operations are seamless.
“It is a massive undertaking to vaccinate our population, and a top priority of our Health Department is assuring access to safe and effective vaccines for all, and especially in areas that are hard-hit by the pandemic. We are grateful to have the support of local companies and community leaders to make this possible,” noted Mark Pfister, Executive Director at the Lake County Health Department.
Additional pop-up vaccination clinics are being held across Lake County through local organizations and pharmacies. The Lake County Health Department encourages residents to explore their vaccination options and take the first available appointment. To register in the AllVax system, please visit AllVax.lakecohealth.org. Residents needing assistance registering in AllVax can call (847) 377- 8130 or email [email protected]. Registrants are encouraged to opt-in to allow the Health Department to share their registration information with vaccination partners, as this opens additional opportunities to schedule vaccination appointments.
In addition to registering in AllVax, people can use the Illinois Vaccine Locator, check with their healthcare provider, or take advantage of many community vaccination sites available. For more information, visit www.lakecountyil.gov/vaccine.