Illinois will expand the list of people eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations in Phase 1B of its launch, Gov. JB Pritzker announced Wednesday.
The state expects to increase eligibility from February 25, allowing vaccination of people with “a high-risk medical condition” or comorbidity. The list includes people with cancer, diabetes, obesity, pregnant women and those with a few other conditions.
“Given the steady growth in the federal supply of vaccines, Illinois is making plans to extend Phase 1B eligibility on Feb. 25 to people with comorbidities and underlying conditions as defined by the CDC,” the governor’s office said in a statement. . In addition, Illinois will give priority to people with disabilities.
The list of eligible high-risk medical conditions (subject to change) includes:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Diabetes
- Heart condition
- Immunocompromised condition from a solid organ transplant
- Obesity
- Task
- Lung disease
- Sickle cell disease
“Those under the age of 65 who live with comorbidities, such as cancer survivors or those suffering from heart disease, have an increased risk of serious complications or death if they contract COVID-19,” Pritzker said in a statement. . “Illinois is moving forward in line with CDC guidance to expand our eligible population as the supply allows, bringing us closer to the point where the vaccine is widely available to anyone who wants it. In the meantime, I encourage all Illinois wear our masks and watch for attenuation so that many of our neighbors are healthy and alive when it’s their turn in the vaccination line. ”
The extension applies to those aged 16 and over who were not otherwise covered in previous eligibility categories, the state said, adding that it intends to work with local health departments and other providers as eligibility increases.
According to medical experts in Illinois and the United States, pregnant women were excluded from vaccine studies, so there was little information on vaccine safety for this group.
Earlier this month, White House Health Adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci said “no red flags” were seen on the more than 10,000 pregnant women who had received vaccines so far.
The guide published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that if a woman is in a group recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and is pregnant, she can choose to be vaccinated. A discussion with her healthcare provider can help her make an informed decision, the agency said.
Already, more than 3.2 million people in Illinois are eligible for Phase 1B vaccinations, which include people aged 65 and over, as well as “essential frontline workers.”
Despite repeated claims, the state is struggling to vaccinate those in phase 1B because of the limited supply, Pritzker said a 5% increase in doses this week alone, saying: “As soon as we get enough vaccine, we must not lose time in protecting a wider section of our most vulnerable population. “
However, even though Illinois announced more than 100 new vaccination sites in the past week, officials continued to call for patience Wednesday, saying vaccine supply is limited.
“We are limited by the amount of vaccine available and allocated by the federal government,” the governor’s office said in a statement just before Pritzker’s announcement of eligibility. “Vaccinations are only available by appointment at this time and we encourage people to return frequently for open meetings. Until supply increases, there will be a high demand and we ask people to be patient.”
As of Feb. 4, the state said it has added 22 local health departments, medical centers and hospital locations, along with two new mass vaccination sites and 110 retail pharmacy stores, including Walmart and Meijer locations.
For a full look at where you can make an appointment in Illinois or where you can get information about vaccines for your area, click here.