COOK COUNTY, IL — Two days after more Illinois residents became eligible to receive coronavirus vaccines, Cook County health officials announced that 16,000 first dose appointments would be released on Wednesday.

County health officials said that only those who qualify under phase 1a, 1b and the newly released 1b plus are eligible for the appointments, which are available at the following sites around Cook County. The new appointments were made available starting Monday at noon.

In addition to the previous eligibility groups, Phase 1b plus includes residents ages 16 and up with pre-existing medical conditions, media members and other essential workers who were not covered under previous eligibility groups.

“Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen great progress in vaccinating vulnerable groups in phase 1b, including our seniors. This is reflected in the numbers, which indicate that more than 68 percent of individuals 65 and older in suburban Cook County have received at least one dose,” said Dr. Rachel Rubin, the county’s senior medical officer.

The 16,000 appointments will be available at:

• North Riverside Health Center
• Triton College, 2020 Fifth Ave, River Grove
• South Suburban College, 15800 State St., South Holland
• Des Plaines – Mass vaccination center on Oakton Street
• Forest Park – the former HOBO Retail Outlet

To sign up online, go to vaccine.cookcountyil.gov. Residents can also make appointments 833-308-1988.