The Lake County Health Department announced they are shifting their focus to hyper-local COVID-19 vaccinations and will be closing their mass vaccination site at the Lake County Fairgrounds next month.
The final day for vaccinations at the Lake County Fairgrounds will be June 14, officials said on Thursday.
“We have provided over 76,000 COVID-19 vaccinations at the Lake County Fairgrounds since January 19, 2021, thanks to the tireless efforts of our staff, volunteers, and the Illinois National Guard,” said Mark Pfister, Executive Director of the Lake County Health Department.
Pfister said they are shifting their efforts to vaccinate at the hyper-local level.
“This includes our Lake County Health Department Community Health Centers, in doctor’s offices across the county, and at local vaccination events, bringing the vaccine via mobile units and pop-up events in neighborhoods, faith communities, and even businesses to reach people where it is most convenient for them,” Pfister said.
Residents who are due for their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines before June 14 are urged to schedule an appointment or walk-in for their second dose at the fairgrounds before the site closes.
Residents whose second dose is due after June 14 can get their second dose at other health department locations or with another COVID-19 vaccine provider.
People who receive Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are not fully vaccinated until two weeks after their second dose is completed, the health department said.
“Every Lake County resident lives within 3 miles of a COVID-19 vaccination provider and the options are plentiful,” Pfister said.
“It is critical if you’ve received one dose of Pfizer or Moderna that you also get the second dose. This helps ensure that your immune system is fully prepared to fight the virus, including the new COVID-19 variants spreading right here in Lake County,” he added.
The final dates for COVID-19 vaccinations at the Lake County Fairgrounds, located at 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake, are as follows:
- Friday, May 28: 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 29: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 2: 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, June 5: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 9: 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- Sunday, June 13: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Monday, June 14: 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.
The health department’s regional vaccination site at 102 West Water Street in Waukegan continues to provide Pfizer vaccines by appointment and walk-ins from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
In addition to Pfizer for first and second doses, the Waukegan site will carry the Moderna vaccine starting June 15 for those needing second doses. Johnson & Johnson vaccine is also available upon request.
COVID-19 vaccine appointments are also available at Health Department Community Health Center locations.
Those who wish to schedule one can sign up online through the AllVax Portal or by calling 847-377-8130.