AURORA HOME TO STATE’S NEW DRIVE-THRU VAX SITE

Getting a COVID-19 vaccination has just gotten more accessible for motorists.

The City of Aurora announced the first State-run drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site, located in the State’s second-largest city.

In collaboration with the City of Aurora, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has opened a drive-through lane at the current Illinois Community-Based Testing Site in Kane County, at 2450 N. Farnsworth Ave., Aurora, IL.

“To control this pandemic, we need as many people as possible to get vaccinated,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “The vaccine is free, safe, and effective. It is your best protection against hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. Your being vaccinated will also help protect those who are too young to be vaccinated and people who do not build a strong immune response to the vaccine due to underlying health conditions, like cancer. Vaccination protects you, and not just that, it protects us all.”

Vaccinations will be offered from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. No appointment is necessary.

The dual testing-vaccination site will have one lane for testing and the other for vaccinations.

The site is located across from the Chicago Premium Outlet Mall at the I-88 and Farnsworth Ave. Interchange.

All Illinois residents eligible to receive a vaccine can utilize the site without ever exiting their vehicle. Everyone who gets a vaccination must wait at least 15 minutes afterward in a designated observation parking station monitored by health care professionals.

“We are still encouraging everyone to take their best shot,” said Mayor Irvin. “And for some, the best shot can now be received through an open vehicle window in an efficient, easy process.”

The type of vaccine available each day at the site will vary. Anyone requiring a second dose of Moderna or Pfizer can return to the same location on the instructed day or visit any other State-run site or medical service provider.