Memorial Hospital continues to work diligently with the Randolph County Health Department (RCHD) and in coordination with Sparta Community Hospital and Red Bud Regional Hospital to ensure that residents of Randolph County are vaccinated as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as large quantities of vaccine are available. Randolph County will continue to vaccinate phase 1b groups and 65+ and older individuals. The speed in which we complete these age groups is contingent on the availability of the vaccine and the ability to administer,” reports the RCHD daily in their press releases.
As of March 1, 2021, Randolph County was reporting 8.09% of the population fully vaccinated, which is equal to 2,598 FULLY vaccinated persons. The RCHD and three hospitals serving Randolph County are scheduling patients on their respective “vaccine waitlists” as more vaccinations become available. We continue to ask for the community’s patience as everyone works as efficiently as possible to administer the vaccinations. Below are some answers to frequently asked questions.
How do I get on a vaccine list?
Chester Memorial Hospital (618) 826-4581 ext. 1339 (M-F 8am to 4pm) or online at: www.mhchester.com/covidvax
Red Bud Regional Hospital (618) 282-5165 (M-Th. 8a-4p and F-Sun. 8a-11a) or online at: www.redbudanytime.com
Sparta Community Hospital (618) 443-2177 (M-F 8am to 4pm)
Coulterville Medical Clinic | 618-758-2331 Family Health Centre | 618-443-3084
Marissa Medical Clinic | 618-295-1591 North Campus Health Care | 618-443-4138
Sparta Medical Office | 618-443-4889 Steeleville Clinic | 618-965-3466
Randolph County Health Department (618) 826-5007, Option 8 (M-F 8am to 4pm)
Are there any other locations beside the Health Department or hospitals administering vaccines in or around Randolph County? (As of 2/26/2021)
The Jackson County Health Department along with the Illinois National Guard will be hosting regional vaccine clinics at two sites in Carbondale, IL. You can receive a vaccine by appointment only, the events will be held Monday – Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. The clinics will be held at the Carbondale Civic Center and the Banterra (formerly SIU) Arena. Please click on the following link and follow the system prompts to schedule an appointment: www.jchdonline.org
Sparta Walmart Pharmacy will be offering the vaccine. You will need to register online at https://www.walmart.com/cp/1228302 Please be prepared to share proof of your eligibility with pharmacy team when you arrive for your Appointment. Examples of proof are Driver’s license/ID, Medical providers note, Work badge, or Paystub.
How do I know where I am in line for my vaccine at Memorial Hospital?
Memorial Hospital in Chester is using guidance from the RCHD and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) when scheduling people for the vaccine using the Phased Approach to COVID-19 Vaccination guideline. Currently those in Phase 1A and 1B are being vaccinated.
Phase 1A:
Health care Personnel
Hospital Settings
Non-hospital health care
Other Congregate Care: Long-Term Care Facility residents and staff.
Phase 1B:
Persons aged 65 years and older (Part I)
Frontline essential workers (Part I)
Inmates (Part I)
Persons aged 16 to 64 years with high-risk medical conditions (Part II)
Memorial Hospital is currently scheduling persons with birthdates in the 1950s as we work toward the 65 year age group. Please note that people in Phase 1A and those older than 1950 do continue to add themselves to our list daily and they are given priority during scheduling. The recently added Phase 1B Part II is also taken into consideration when scheduling. If you have a high-risk medical condition please mention that or input that in the comments when adding yourself to the “vaccine waitlist” online.
“This framework focuses on reducing severe morbidity and mortality and negative societal impact due to the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Emphasized in the framework is that the goal of the COVID-19 vaccination program is to vaccinate all those who choose to be vaccinated and who do not have medical contraindications to the vaccine.” – IDPH
As soon as Memorial Hospital is aware of a shipment of first dose vaccinations, individuals from the “vaccine waitlist” are scheduled in the order described above. There is no way for us to tell you your exact place in line as the list grows daily and others may be prioritized above you based on their age or medical conditions. Please note though, that we have you on our list and will call you as soon as we have a vaccine available for you. As eagerly as you want to be vaccinated, we want you to be vaccinated. We are working as efficiently as possible to vaccinate as many people as possible in the high-risk categories as supplies are allotted to us.
How will I know when it is time for my second vaccine if I am administered a 2-part vaccine?
When you receive your first dose vaccination at Memorial, you will be supplied with a small card that lists the name of the vaccine you were administered, along with the LOT number, and date it was administered. At that time, you will be scheduled for your second vaccine at Memorial Hospital.
Second dose vaccines are provided to us based on the number of first dose vaccines administered. So be reassured that if you received your first dose at Memorial, your second dose will be ready for you when needed.
A few things to note about second doses:
These are time sensitive. The time of your shot may be negotiable but the date will not be.
Because your second dose is reserved for you when you receive your first dose, you are required to get it with that allotment.
Your loved one cannot schedule their first or second dose the same day as yours, unless they received their previous first dose on the same day as you. For logistic and scheduling reasons Memorial is holding separate first dose and second dose clinics and each grouping is on the same schedule.
We ask for your patience, as we know this may not always be convenient for you. We are doing our best to accommodate those who need special arrangements.
Can I pick which vaccine I want?
At this time we are administering vaccines with the brands we are provided. If you choose to pass on receiving your vaccine when you are contacted because you want a different brand, we may not be able to schedule you in a timely manner for a date in the future. You will remain on our list and we can try to accommodate your request but it may take longer if that brand of vaccine is not readily available.
We do encourage everyone to do their own research on the vaccines and discuss their options with the doctor. Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines.html
What is the cost of the COVID-19 Vaccine?
There is no out-of-pocket cost to the consumer for the COVID-19 Vaccine. But, you will be asked for your insurance or Medicaid information during registration, and your provider may be billed an administration fee.
Are you still doing COVID-19 Testing?
Yes, Memorial Hospital is still testing for COVID-19. Testing hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am to 2:00pm and Saturday-Sunday 10:00am to Noon. Call to register for testing at 618-826-4581 ext 0 (zero). You will be instructed of your testing location when you register. When you arrive, DO NOT GET OUT OF YOUR CAR! Call the same number you used to register and someone will come out to test you. After you are tested, you are PRESUMED POSITIVE until you are contacted with your results. You will need to isolate yourself from others until you receive your results. If you need medical attention please go to the Emergency Room and call before you enter the building to inform them that you have been tested for or are positive for COVID-19, you are having symptoms and are in need of medical attention. Our team will then instruct you on how to proceed.
BEWARE OF SCAMS!!
If you or a loved one receives a call regarding paying for, or scheduling a vaccine appointment, that they feel is suspicious DO NOT provide them with any personal information and hang up.
Ways to know if it is a scam:
You will NOT be asked to pay for your vaccine. No payment information should be provided over the phone. Your insurance may be billed an administration fee upon registering the day of your appointment, but you will not have to pay anything out of pocket.
You will NOT be asked for a social security number to schedule your vaccine. A date of birth may be required, but never a social security number.
You can NOT pay to add yourself to a vaccine list or get early access. Any list you are adding yourself to should be free.
Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Information: