MT. VERNON, IL — Area hospitals in Mt. Vernon began providing COVID-19 vaccinations to Phase 1B patients on Wednesday. Per the Illinois Department of Public Health, Phase 1B includes people aged 65 and older as well as frontline, essential workers. Currently, vaccines are being administered at SSM’s primary care office at 4103 S. Water Tower Place and in a dedicated vaccination area setup for Crossroads Community Hospital at their location just off Broadway.

CEO of Crossroads Amanda Basso had this to say for those hesitant to get the vaccine.

To schedule a vaccine at SSM Health, please contact your primary care provider, while Crossroads Hospital is asking everyone to keep an eye on the Jefferson County Health Department’s Facebook page for updates on when more vaccines are distributed to the area. When there are open slots posed to that page, you can contact Crossroads at 244-5500.

If you do not have a primary care provider, please contact your local health department to schedule a vaccination.