JCC Chicago helps community get vaccinated
On the heels of the announcement that the Pfizer COVID vaccine was approved by the FDA for 12- to 15-year-olds, JCC Chicago moved quickly to hold a COVID vaccination clinic for community members age 12 and up on Sunday at Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook. JCC Chicago is committed to building and helping the community in any way they can. Facilitating a vaccine clinic is the most recent example of how the agency serves people throughout the Chicagoland area.
"Our motto is 'If we can, we will'. This vaccination geared toward children ages 12-years-old and up allowed us to help many of our campers, their families and those in our broader community gain peace of mind as we all start to resume in-person activities. Given that we are preparing to welcome over 4,000 day and overnight campers in just a few weeks, want to provide the safest camp experience possible this summer at Apachi Day Camps and at Camp Chi in Wisconsin," said Addie Goodman, President & CEO of JCC Chicago.
Throughout the pandemic JCC Chicago has served the community by providing essential child care through their early childhood and day camp programs that assist families and allow parent to return to work. Earlier in 2021, the agency hosted a COVID testing site at Bernard Horwich JCC in West Rogers Park. In response to pandemic-related shutdowns, JCC Chicago transitioned their programming from in-person to virtual so the community could remain connected. From virtual film screenings and cultural events for adults to drive-in concerts and activity boxes to use at-home for families and teens, JCC Chicago has continued to provide innovative programming in service to the community.
Nearly 200 people, many of them 12-15 years old, received their first vaccination on Sunday, and they are already scheduled for their second dose in June. Brad Finkel, JCC Chicago Chief Operating Officer said, "One value of ours is Tikkun Olam, which is Hebrew for repairing the world, so providing an easy and accessible way to help get people fully vaccinated ahead of the summer allows us to make a greater impact on our community during the pandemic."
JCC Chicago is grateful that one of their community members, Alina Groth, brought the opportunity for this vaccination clinic to their attention and facilitated the connection with Jewel/Osco Pharmacy Manager, Yara Lucht, Pharm.D. They also appreciate all the community volunteers who helped this past Sunday to make the clinic run smoothly.