GLENVIEW – To keep suburban Cook County residents abreast of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution process, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is urging residents to sign up to receive updates, scheduling information and other important notifications on the new Cook County COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program website.

“We’re entering Phase 1B of the state’s vaccination plan, which means more Illinoisans are eligible to be vaccinated and more vaccination sites are opening up,” Senator Fine said. “I encourage older residents and front-line essential workers to register for updates to make sure they know when it’s their turn to get vaccinated.”

Phase 1A of the state’s vaccination plan prioritized health care workers. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Phase 1B comprises residents over age 65 and front-line essential workers who carry a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure because they are unable to work from home or their work does not allow for safe social distancing. This includes:

• First responders
• Teachers, principals, classroom aides and other school staff
• Food and agriculture workers
• Manufacturing workers
• Corrections officers and inmates
• Postal workers
• Public transit workers
• Grocery store workers
• Shelters and day care staff

Residents of suburban Cook County who think they are eligible to be vaccinated in Phase 1A or 1B are encouraged to visit https://vaccine.cookcountyil.gov/ and enter their information to be connected with a vaccine provider. Those without access to the internet can reach the Call Center 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1-833-308-1988.

Cook County Health will offer appointment slots based on the amount of vaccine on hand and will add appointments as new vaccine shipments arrive. The first community vaccination site in Cook County opened Jan. 26 at the Tinley Park Convention Center. Vaccination sites at pharmacies and other locations are being added daily.

“We are expecting more shipments from the federal government soon, but supplies of the vaccine are limited at this time, so I urge everyone to be patient during the rollout,” Senator Fine said.

GLENVIEW – To update Cook County residents on the ongoing COVID-19 vaccine distribution effort and dispel myths about the virus and the vaccine, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) will join local elected officials for a virtual town hall meeting Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

“The vaccine distribution process is underway, and many residents have questions about how, where and when they can get a vaccine,” Senator Fine said. “It’s critical that everyone has accurate, up-to-date information when making a plan to get vaccinated.”

Senator Fine has partnered with a number of Cook County elected officials to host the event, including Commissioners Scott Britton, Larry Suffredin and Pete Silvestri; and State Representatives Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) and Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview).

The discussion will center on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Cook County. The event is not intended for Cook County residents who live in Chicago, Evanston or Skokie, as these municipalities each maintain their own department of public health and have an independent vaccine distribution plan.

The free town hall will be streamed live via Zoom, and registration is required to join. Register at bit.ly/ccvaccinetownhall to receive a Zoom link on the day of the event.

Participants can submit questions ahead of the event by emailing Adam Newman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

GLENVIEW – Students at Glenbrook South High School will be able to learn about nature and make a positive environmental impact through hands-on experience thanks to an Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grant, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced.

“When kids are learning about the world around them, some of the most important lessons take place outside the classroom,” Fine said. “This garden will not only provide a place for native species to thrive—it will give students the chance to get their hands dirty and enjoy nature.”

Glenbrook South High School has been awarded a grant of $623.57 to plant a pollinator garden at the school.

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Conservation Fund (ICF) to support the development or enhancement of wildlife habitat on the school grounds or other public places. Projects funded by these grants are meant to teach children that their actions can make a difference in the world while increasing the use of native plants in Illinois.

Funding for the program is provided through donations to the ICF. More than $329,000 in Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant funding has been distributed since the program’s inception.

Applications for the next round of Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grants will be open soon, with an application deadline of Nov. 30, 2021. More information on applying for the next round of grants can be found on the IDNR website.

GLENVIEW – In response to higher-than-expected demand for COVID-19 testing in the area, the testing site located at Flick Park Field House in Glenview will add Sunday hours to their regular schedule, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced.

“After the holidays and with many people returning to work, residents have been seeking out tests to ensure they’re protecting their families and coworkers,” Senator Fine said. “I’m grateful to see the testing site is responding to our community’s needs by offering more appointment slots.”

Senator Fine partnered with local lawmakers and the Glenview Park District to bring the site to Glenview, which opened Jan. 4. The site is currently open by appointment Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Starting Jan. 17, the site will also be open Sunday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

In its first five days of operation, the site processed 780 tests, allowing the residents who had contracted COVID-19 to seek appropriate medical care and self-isolate to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Testing services are available to all at no out-of-pocket cost. Those who are insured must bring their insurance card, but testing is also available to uninsured Illinoisans with an ID.

“If you traveled or gathered with friends and family over the holidays—even if you don’t feel ill—getting tested is an easy, reliable way to make sure you’re not spreading the virus,” Senator Fine said.

Testing is available by appointment only—sign up for an available time slot at http://bit.ly/flickparkcovid. With questions, contact Northshore Clinical Labs at (773) 570-6510 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Northshore Clinical Labs is not associated with NorthShore University HealthSystem.