By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The Winnebago County Health Department will provide free COVID-19 vaccines, booster shots and flu shots for ages 5 and older at several one-day clinics this week.
The pop-up sites come about two weeks after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of Pfizer’s BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. The vaccine was found to be nearly 91% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children ages 5 through 11, according to the FDA.
Nearly 52% of Winnebago County residents are fully vaccinated, according to the health department. Statewide nearly 58% of the population is fully vaccinated, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The vaccine is administered in two shots given three weeks apart, but children ages 5 to 11 receive a lower dose of 10 micrograms than those ages 12 and older, who receive a shot of 30 micrograms.
Children ages 5-17 will receive the Pfizer vaccine at the Winnebago County sites. Those ages 18 and older can pick Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson for either their first vaccine or booster shot.
If you are receiving a booster shot, bring your vaccination record card.
COVID-19 boosters for Pfizer and Moderna will be given to those who have completed their first series at least 6 months prior and are:
- 65 and older
- 18 and older with medical conditions
- 18 and older who live in long term care
- 18 and older who live or work in a high-risk setting
- Johnson & Johnson booster shots are available to everyone who received the same vaccine at least two months prior.
Free flu shots will be available to those ages 12 and older and can be given at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot.
All vaccines are given by appointment only. Go to wchd.org to register.
Vaccine clinic schedule
Where: South Beloit High School, 245 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit
When: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8
Where: Winnebago County Health Department, 555 N. Court St., Rockford
When: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10
Where: Harlem High School, 1 Huskie Circle, Machesey Park
When: 3 p.m. to 7 pm.. Friday, Nov. 12
Where: Winnebago County Health Department, 555 N. Court St., Rockford
When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 13
Visit wchd.org/covid-19/vaccine to view the health department’s mobile clinic schedule.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas.