The Rock Island County Health Department announced today, Thursday, Oct. 5, that it finally has a limited supply of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines and is taking appointments for vaccinations.
In a news release, the department said it has not received Moderna vaccines for people ages 12 and older.
Beginning today, the department has made up to 35 appointments available for Pfizer clinics on Friday, Oct. 6, and an additional 35 appointments for the Friday, Oct. 13 Pfizer clinic. More clinics will be scheduled as supply allows. The clinics are located at the health department, 2112 25th Ave., Rock Island.
Walk-in clinics have been suspended because of the extremely limited supply of vaccines, health officials said. To make an appointment, call (309) 794-7080. Appointments are expected to fill up quickly, and the department expects phone lines will be busy.
Those who receive an appointment are asked to bring their COVID-19 vaccination and insurance cards.
“We understand that there is a great demand for the new COVID-19 vaccines,” said Janet Hill, interim administrator of the Rock Island County Health Department. “We ask for your patience and understanding until our vaccine supply increases. We do not have control over how much vaccine is sent to us and when and what brand of vaccine arrives. We expect this to be a relatively short-term problem as manufacturers ramp up their production.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Protection issued the following guidelines to be considered up to date on the COVID-19 vaccine:
- Everyone ages 5 years and older: You are up to date when you get one updated COVID-19 vaccine.
- Children ages 6 months to 4 years: You are up to date when you get all recommended doses, including at least one dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
- People who received the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine: You are up to date when you get one updated COVID-19 vaccine.
The CDC recommends getting whichever COVID-19 vaccine brand that is available to you, even if the brand of the vaccine is different from original series or subsequent boosters. The mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) can be “mixed and matched.”
The department also has some vaccine supply for children ages 6 months and older, including a small supply of Moderna vaccine for children who qualify for the federal Vaccines for Children program. At this time, no Moderna vaccines are available for those 12 and older or for children who have private insurance. Appointments for children younger than 12 will be offered on Wednesdays, with Pfizer in the morning and Moderna in the afternoon.
COVID vaccines no longer are provided for free from the federal government. The health department will bill your health insurance, and it is the patient’s responsibility to determine insurance coverage. Medicare Part B and Illinois Medicaid will pay for the COVID vaccine.
The department said it expects that insurance patients will have no out-of-pocket costs, but individual policies could vary.
The health department also has enrolled in programs that will pay for COVID-19 vaccines for those who are underinsured and uninsured. Supplies are limited. Call (309) 794-7080 to make an appointment.
Flu vaccines
The health department is offering walk-in flu clinics on Tuesdays through Oct. 31. Hours are 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. No appointments are necessary for those age 12 and older. Children ages 6 months to 11 years old require appointments because of the extra care children sometimes need.
Everyone ages 6 months and older is recommended to get the seasonal flu vaccine. Flu season typically begins in October and peaks between December and March.
“We’ve been talking for almost three years about the importance of getting vaccinated to ward off severe COVID-19 infection, and it’s just as important to get your annual flu vaccine for the same reasons,” Ms. Hill said. “Vaccines do an excellent job at preventing serious illness. Getting a flu vaccine takes a case from wild to mild.”
Additional flu clinics include:
- Thursday, Oct. 12, 9:30-11:30 a.m., South Rock Island Township offices, 4330 11th St., Rock Island.
- Monday, Oct. 16, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Cordova Township offices, 910 3rd Ave. South, Cordova.
There is no out-of-pocket cost to those with Medicare Part B or an Illinois Medicaid card. Most Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare, Health Alliance, Aetna, Coventry/First Health, HFN, HealthLink and Humana insurance plans are accepted.
Patients should bring all insurance cards with them to the clinic. Insurance coverages change frequently, so check with your insurance carrier to see if your flu shot is covered. For those not using insurance, the cost is $35. High-dose vaccines for seniors are $66 without insurance. Visa and Mastercard will be accepted.
Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines also are available at area health care and pharmacy partners. To find locations and appointment times, visit vaccines.gov.
