Questions and Answers about the COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout

As Red Bud Regional Hospital prepares to expand COVID-19 vaccination offerings to more and more groups according to State Guidance, we understand many people in our service area are eager to receive this vaccine and the protection it brings. You might have questions about if you qualify or how you will be scheduled.

Here are some common questions and answers that might help guide you during this time.

Q: Who is eligible?

A: The State of Illinois determines when we move from one phase to the next. Each phase has criteria to determine who is eligible. We are currently in Phase 1B which has approved ages 65+. We are starting with age 85+, then moving to age 75+, then 65+. Currently, vaccines are not authorized for all phases or ages.

Q: How will I know if I qualify for a vaccine now?

A: Some doctor’s offices are calling patients directly if they are in the age category that is approved. You can call the COVID Call Line (waiting list) directly if you are eligible but did not receive a call from your doctor’s office. It’s also important to stay up-to-date. The Hospital uses the newspaper, RedBudRegional.com and its Facebook page to post updates and notifications for patients.

Q: What if my primary care provider (PCP) is not associated with Red Bud Regional?

A: We recommend that you contact your primary care provider’s office to join their waiting list. The clinics that ARE associated with Red Bud Regional Hospital are Red Bud Health Clinic, Progressive Family Care, Family Practice Associates, and St. Louis Cardiovascular.

Q: How do I join your waiting list?

A: It only takes a minute to sign up for the waiting list online at www.RedBudAnytime.com. This is a great option for evenings or weekends when the COVID Call-Line is not staffed. Or, you can call the COVID Call Line at 282-5165 during regular business hours. We are receiving an influx of calls and it is common for our phone lines to be busy. Please do not call other departments within the hospital or your doctor’s office to get on a waiting list – as they do not have access to this list. Please call again or sign up online.

Q: Should I join the waiting list AND do it by phone?

A: No. The waiting lists are the same and it slows the responses when you are listed multiple times.

Q: Can I be on multiple waiting lists through the County and receive the vaccine faster?

A: That is highly discouraged. Being on multiple lists actually slows the process and makes planning inaccurate. Red Bud Regional Hospital, Chester Memorial Hospital, Sparta Community Hospital, and the Randolph County Health Department monitor the number of patients on each hospital’s waiting list and plan the vaccines accordingly. When your name is on each list, you appear as three different patients. Now, each hospital is counting you into their allotment of vaccines which slows the process for every patient on the list. Please choose the location where your primary care provider is located and join the waiting list at that office.

Q: What happens after I’m on the waiting list?

A: Once the Hospital receives the vaccines from the Randolph County Health Department, Hospital staff will begin calling patients on the waiting list. The list is prioritized. Patients that meet the criteria in the approved phase will go first.

Q: How long until I get an appointment?

A:  It is very difficult to determine when your appointment will be scheduled. The vaccines are released by the State to the Randolph County Health Department, then to Red Bud Regional Hospital. It is not a regular schedule that can be planned weeks in advance. Delivery dates and quantities vary, making it difficult to schedule appointments more than 1-2 weeks out. If you are on this waiting list, you will get a call at some point. We appreciate your patience.

Q: I do not live or work in Randolph County. Can I be vaccinated at your hospital?

A: The vaccines that we received from the Randolph County Health Department are limited to residents and/or employees of Randolph County. Please refer back to the health department in the county in which you live.

Q: My loved one was vaccinated, can I be vaccinated too since I am with them and their caregiver?

A:   Right now, the vaccine is being distributed in phases that are approved by the State. Randolph County is starting with ages 85+, then working down. You are welcome to join the waiting list and receive your vaccination when your bracket is approved and initiated in Randolph County.

Q: Does it cost to get the vaccine?

A:  There is an administrative fee that will be billed to your insurance. Please bring your insurance cards to your appointment.

Q: What should I bring to the appointment?

A: Please bring your driver's license or picture ID that lists your stress address, also bring your insurance card.

Q: Can I eat before my appointments?

A: Yes, you can perform normal activities prior to your appointment.

Q: I am concerned about my health and getting the vaccination. What do I do?

A: Talk to your primary care provider if you have questions about the vaccine and your health.