RICO health department offers vaccines, COVID test kits

The Rock Island County Health Department is offering flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics, and free COVID test kits.

While U.S. households can order four at-home COVID-19 tests by mail, the health department also has a limited number of test kits available for pickup. They are available 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday while supplies last — with a limit of two per household — at the health department, 2112 25th Ave., Rock Island. 

The health department also will offer vaccination clinics. They include the: 

• COVID-19 vaccine: Because the National Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 expired in May, vaccinations are no longer being purchased by the federal government for distribution through the public health system and health care partners, according to a news release from the health department. Instead, the health department has ordered private-pay Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, but they have not yet arrived.

  Once the vaccines are in stock, the health department will offer Moderna vaccines on Tuesdays and Pfizer on Fridays by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call (309) 794-7080. Bring your COVID-19 vaccination and insurance cards, as the health department will bill your insurance.

• Flu vaccine: Walk-in flu vaccination clinics will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. at the health department on Tuesdays through Oct. 31. No appointments are necessary for those ages 12 and older. Call (309) 794-7080 to schedule an appointment for children ages six months to 11 years.

  There is no out-of-pocket expense for those with Medicare Part B or an Illinois Medicaid card, according to the release. Bring all insurance cards to the clinic. Those who are not using insurance may receive a vaccine for $35. High-dose vaccines for seniors are $66 without insurance. Visa and Mastercard will be accepted, the release states.

For more information, call the health department at (309) 794-7080.