MARION, Ill. (WSIL) -- Phase 1B vaccinations began Friday morning in Williamson County with local health officials getting a head start on Illinois' state-wide roll-out, which is still weeks away.
Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department is conducting off-site clinics at the Marion Pavilion, providing vaccines by appointment only.
Phase 1B recipients include frontline-essential workers and those ages 65 and over. Sesser Resident Ditto Basso received his first dose of the COVID vaccine, he says this is a step in the right direction for the entire community.
"We have a lot of responsibility to each other not to share this virus," says Basso. "I am hoping that what this would do; it's going to make me still be cautious, but feel like that maybe you get a little bit of your life back."
Others at Friday's clinic agreed it's an opportunity to help stop the spread of the virus and move the region out of further mitigation restrictions.
"I would say, 100-percent, get your vaccination," says West Frankfort resident Paula Sloan. She says receiving her first dose of the vaccine only took around 30 minutes however, it will be 28 days before the next one is due.
"What I'll be doing is still wearing my mask, and still social distancing, and doing everything (recommended in the guidelines) until I can get my second shot," says Sloan.
Cambria resident Gretchen Adams says, "It's given me a sense of relief," after receiving the vaccine. "I know I have to have the second one, but it makes you feel better."
More than 600 appointments took place Friday, with a full week of appointments ahead starting Monday. Those appointments are already booked, but Director of Health Education at Bi-County says more availability is in the works.
"There is absolutely no need to worry, right now we have plenty of vaccine," says Eldridge. "We are vaccinating those who live or work in Franklin or Williamson County, and we are doing it by appointment."
Eldridge says her department and others in the region will administer more clinics in the following weeks and months until everyone who wants a vaccine, is vaccinated.
