Will County’s daily COVID-19 vaccinations up to 2,200, highest since June

While new COVID-19 cases continue to increase in Will County and across the state, the number of vaccinations also are on the rise.

As of Wednesday, a little over 2,200 shots per day were being put into arms in Will County, according to Illinois Department of Public Health data.

The average number of daily vaccines administered in Will County hasn’t been that high since late June, per IDPH data.

Still, the rising daily vaccine numbers are far lower than the peak in April when as many as around 7,800 shots were being administered per day in the county.

In recent weeks, the Will County Health Department has shifted its focus away from larger mass vaccination sites to smaller pop-up clinics all over the county.

“We will not stop our efforts until each and every person, who is eligible and wants to, is vaccinated,” Cindy Jackson, the department’s director of mass vaccination, said in a news release touting the availability of vaccines. “That is the only way we will eradicate this virus and protect the public health of our county.”

The county health department recently announced it was holding several pop-up clinics at local events in various villages. As an incentive, anyone who came to the clinic to get their vaccine would receive free tickets to Six Flags Great America.

Jackson also acknowledged that the recent spike in cases is related to pandemic fatigue, a slowing down in vaccinations and the spread of the virus’ highly contagious delta variant. She added many residents are becoming lax in using public health protocols like wearing masks, proper hand washing and social distancing.

“People think, ‘I’ve done my part and gotten the vaccine’,” Jackson said in the release. “What they do not understand is even if you are vaccinated, there is a chance you can contract a milder case or spread the virus to more vulnerable people.”

Overall, a little more than 52% of Will County’s total population of nearly 700,000 residents is fully vaccinated for COVID-19, according to the IDPH. The rate is about on par with the state as a whole.

For more information on where to find the nearest vaccine clinic, visit willcountyhealth.org.

Source: The Daily Chronicle