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July 2, 2021

MCDH clinics to offer tickets to Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor in Gurnee and Rockford
MCDH clinics to offer tickets to Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor in Gurnee and Rockford

News • July 2, 2021

MCDH offers Six Flag tickets at participating clinics to increase COVID-19 vaccination efforts

By

MCHENRY COUNTY – The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) announced on June 29, that Six Flags had donated tickets for entry to its parks in Gurnee and Rockford, available at participating COVID-19 vaccination sites and events within the county.

The news came as Gov. J.B. Pritzker had announced a similar incentive back in May, where 50,000 Six Flags tickets were donated to local health departments and other community groups throughout the Chicago region for newly vaccinated Illinois residents.

MCDH did not state how many tickets they received, but said tickets are “available on a first-come, first-served basis. Anyone at least 12 years old is eligible to receive a ticket. The ticket will be provided after receiving a first or second dose shot at a participating COVID-19 vaccination clinic or event.”

Individuals who obtain a ticket may need to reserve their time to gain entry into Six Flags Great America in Gurnee or Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Gurnee and Rockford. Tickets are valid through Sep. 6, excluding a few dates.

The following locations are currently distributing Six Flags tickets, though residents should be advised that each location or event may have their own vaccine requirements.

Community Health Partnership of Illinois Harvard (62 N. Ayer Street, Harvard).

This location offers the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine. Administered on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Individuals must be 18 years or older to receive this vaccine. Appointments must be made in advance by calling 815-943-4339.

Greater Family Health (3901 Mercy Drive, McHenry)

This location uses the Moderna vaccine, which only those 18 years or older may receive. Photo identification must be brought along as well as insurance information, if insured. Appointments must be made by calling 844-599-3700.

Harvard District 50 and Family Health Partnership (Crosby Elementary, 401 Hereley Drive, Harvard)

This location offers the Pfizer vaccine from 7 to 11 a.m. and at 2 to 6 p.m. on July 6. Individuals must be 12 years or older. Students are required to bring their school ID and community members must show photo identification. Appointments can be made at bit.ly/2UU112. For assistance with appointments call 815-943-4022.

Illinois Migrant Council (Harvard)

This vaccination event’s time and location is to be determined; however, they will be administering the Pfizer vaccine for those 12 years or older. Photo identification is required and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Advance registration can be made by calling 815-995-0300.

McHenry County Department of Health (2200 N. Seminary Ave. Annex A, Woodstock and 100 N. Virginia Street, Crystal Lake)

These two vaccination clinics administer the Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. Only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for those 12 years or older. The Crystal Lake clinic is open Fridays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Woodstock clinic is open on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Individuals must bring photo identification. Minors are to demonstrate proof of their birth date and are to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Those who are insured should bring their insurance information. Walk-in vaccinations are available, though appointments can be made at bit.ly//MCDHappt. Call 815-334-4045 for additional assistance.

Despite MCDH’s good efforts to increase vaccinations in the county, some residents who were already vaccinated against COVID-19 in prior clinics, feel they were robbed of receiving such an incentive.

“My wife and I [were] both vaccinated in Lake County and you mean we don’t get tickets? What the heck is that. We did what we were supposed to do from the start,” said resident James Jenkins Jr.

Others felt MCDH exchanging Six Flags tickets for getting vaccinated was an attempt at bribery.

“Unbelievable what local and federal government is willing to do to push an agenda. It’s all about the numbers not about the people. I guess they can do whatever they want with our hard-working tax money even giving away entertainment for exchange of overriding your immune system and the long-term effects,” said resident Jorge Cervantes.

Regardless of some negative backlash, Pritzker is confident that these kinds of incentives will help target populations, especially minority communities.

“I know it’s been a difficult year,” Pritzker publicly stated. “But that just makes it all the more exciting to be back at the park. Thanks to the life-saving power of vaccinations, it feels once again like summer’s in the air.”