OSF HealthCare has administered just over 4,000 first-dose COVID-19 vaccines over the past three weeks, according to Chief Nurse Sarah Overton.
OSF began vaccinating patients in category 1B in mid-January, which includes people aged 65 and older. Overton said nearly 100% of patients in Peoria County received an invitation for their vaccination.
“So we are now turning to second doses, which means we have the ability to bring in everyone we just vaccinated and also stay up to date with our award,” said Overton.
The grants are awarded by the provincial health departments to vaccination sites and are dependent on distribution at state and federal level.
OSG patient Doug Mooney said he was relieved about the opportunity to get his first vaccination.
“Well, it’s been a long time coming, and as soon as they call, we’re here,” Mooney said.
Lisabeth Pongracz, who runs the OSF vaccination facility in Peoria, said the vaccination process usually takes 20 minutes. Patients arrive for a scheduled appointment and are registered and checked prior to vaccination. After the shot is received, patients remain on site for a brief observation before planning a follow-up visit and then leaving.
Pongracz said the clinic currently does about 500 vaccinations a day. She credited staff and volunteers for overcoming initial challenges in building resources and accommodation to satisfy the influx of patients.
“Now that we have the vaccine and distribute it … there is a lot of light at the end of the tunnel and we see it from the patients every day,” Pongracz said.
UnityPoint Health and Heartland Health Services also perform COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment for 1B populations in the Tri-County area. Several commercial pharmacies, including HyVee, Walgreens and Kroger, also offer vaccinations to those who are currently eligible.
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