In preparation for April 12, when Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Vaccination Plan takes effect and all Illinois residents age 16 and older are eligible to receive vaccine, the McHenry County Department of Health has changed its vaccine scheduling process.

 

There is no longer a need to enroll to be notified when a vaccine appointment is available. Now, any eligible resident or employee can look online for available appointments at a MCDH clinic. MCDH regularly loads new appointments into its new scheduling system, so it is recommended that you frequently check the registration page for new appointments. Eligibility does not mean an appointment will be immediately available, so it could take some time before you are able to schedule an appointment.

 

Appointments at MCDH clinics continue to be held for McHenry County residents and for those who work in the county. Anyone who does not meet this requirement will be turned away from a clinic.

 

To verify you are eligible to receive the vaccine, you will be asked to complete a brief COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire. If eligible, you will advance to a screen where you type “McHenry” in the search bar. This will bring up a list of clinics currently scheduled. The title of each clinic lists the date and type of vaccine being administered at that clinic. Clinics that require a voucher code to schedule an appointment will be noted in the title of the clinic. First dose appointments do not require a voucher code to register.

 

When you are able to schedule a first dose appointment and complete the registration process, you will be provided a QR code that you will need to bring with you when you arrive to the clinic. This code can be saved to your phone or printed out. In addition to the code, you will need to bring photo identification and proof of employment (if you are eligible to receive the vaccine because of your employment/employer).

 

To prevent crowding and ensure social distancing, please arrive on time and do not line up outside of the building until 5 minutes before your appointment. You will not be able to enter the building until it is time for your appointment, so please wait in your vehicle if you arrive early. 

 

Those with limited or no access to the internet or who need assistance scheduling an appointment may call the MCDH Call Center at (815) 334-4045 or the IDPH Hotline at (833) 621-1284.

 

Finally, State and Federal partnerships with retail pharmacies are another option for receiving vaccine. Locations of participating pharmacies can be found at coronavirus.illinois.gov. Please check each location’s eligibility and scheduling requirements. We encourage all residents and workers to explore all options to be vaccinated and take the first available appointment offered them.

 

For more information about where to receive a vaccine, please visit MCDH’s Vaccine Locations page.