It’s Not Too Late to Get a Covid-19 Vaccine
June 14, 2021
Distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in Champaign County continues.
Champaign County Seniors 65+ — regardless of their health status — can contact Champaign Urbana Public Health District to get an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine.
According to vaccine data distributed by the State of Illinois, roughly 85 percent of Champaign County residents over the age of 65 have received the vaccine (as of June 14).
With vaccination rates only hovering around 50 percent for eligible adults, there are still plenty of adults who haven’t received a first or second dose.
Access to vaccines has changed significantly since the early days of the vaccine distribution efforts. Gone are the mass clinics.
In the Champaign-Urbana area, vaccines are now available at special pop-up clinics, weekly events (such as the Friday clinic at Champaign-Urbana Public Health District) and through various healthcare providers and pharmacies.
- Free Vaccine Walk-in Clinic at the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
Location: 201 West Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL 61820
Every Friday 8:30 AM – 3 PM
No Appointment Needed - CUPHD is also working to make sure those who are homebound have access to the vaccine. CUPHD also will come to your car and give a vaccine, if that works better for the patient. Call 217-239-7877 for more info.
- Want to go to a pharmacy? Visit www.vaccinefinder.org for available COVID-19 vaccination appointments at local pharmacies.
- Need help getting an appointment? IDPH Vaccine Appt Call Center 833-621-1284 is open 7 days a week to assist people who do not have access to or who have difficulty navigating online services in making appointments
- Carle COVID-19 Vaccination for Champaign County
- Promise Healthcare Vaccine Appointments call the COVID Care Line 217-403-5402 or click here
- CampusTown Urgent Care Vaccine Appointments
More community events and “pop-up” and “walk-in” clinics may be scheduled.
Currently, anyone 12 and up is eligible for the vaccine, although younger patients (17 and under) are only able to receive the Pfizer vaccine.
What happens at my appointment?
Some paperwork is required at the time of appointment. If possible, it is recommended to print out the forms in advance and bring them to the appointment. However, forms will be available onsite.
What safety precautions are being taken?
Patients are asked not to come more than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointments. Face coverings are required at vaccination sites by all. Patients also will need to practice social distancing.
Can a patient bring a support person?
Yes, but patients are being asked to limit the number of individuals in their party that are not receiving the vaccine.
What should a patient wear?
Wear clothing that allows easy access to the upper portion of the arm for the injection.
Do patients have to pay for the vaccine?
There is no cost to individuals to get a COVID vaccine. You may be asked to bring your insurance card if you have one, but you will not be turned away if you do not have insurance.
Which vaccine will patients get?
In Champaign County, the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are available as well as the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. At some locations, patients may be able to choose. The only difference is the waiting time between the first and second dose.
What about the second dose?
Each location handles this differently. In general, pharmacies will have patients sign up for the second vaccine at the same time as they do the first one, if they register for an appointment online. Carle vaccines sites have patients register for a return appointment after they complete the first dose.
Not sure about the second dose? Always ask.
Need a ride to an appointment?
The Senior Resource Center at Family Services of Champaign County has mask-wearing volunteers who will drive seniors age 60+ to medical appointments, the bank, grocery store and pharmacy to keep them safe when they do need to venture out for an essential errand. Call 217-352-5100 to get connected. (More info here.)
Vaccine FAQ for older adults
The following information is provided by the Illinois Department on Aging. Some of this information is also available in Polish, Spanish, Hindi, Chinese, Russian, by following the above link.
Q: Why Should I Take the Vaccine?
A: Older adults have a higher risk for severe illness and hospitalization if they get COVID-19. Research has demonstrated that the vaccine is 95% effective in preventing COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine will help keep you, your family, and your community healthy and safe.
Q: Is the Vaccine Safe?
A: We understand that some people may be concerned about getting vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccine was tested with thousands of participants to generate scientific data and other information in order to determine its safety and to get approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
Q: What are the Side Effects?
A: Short-term side effects are mild and may include fever, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, chills and sore arms. They will go away in a few days, but they are normal and a sign your body is working to build up protection against the virus.
Myth vs. Fact
Myth: If I get vaccinated for COVID-19 I’ll be more vulnerable to other illnesses.
Fact: While the COVID-19 vaccine will work to teach your immune system to recognize and protect against coronavirus, it is not proven to make you vulnerable to other illnesses.
Myth: After I get the vaccine, I no longer have to wear a mask.
Fact: While health experts learn more about the protection of COVID-19 vaccines, it will be important for everyone to continue to wear a mask, wash hands often, and practice social distancing.
The State of Illinois has prepared a longer vaccine FAQ. This is available translated into Chinese, Hindu, Arabic, Tagalog, and Spanish.
(Editor’s note: the information compiled here is directly from sources including Champaign Urbana Public Health District, Illinois Department of Public Health, Carle, and the CDC. This information changes frequently. We will do our best to keep this up to date.)