More Health Departments Opt Out of Expanded Vaccine Plan

CHICAGO AREA, IL — Health departments across the Chicago area will not vaccinate those with medical conditions under the age of 65, despite a recent recommendation by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to include the population in Phase 1b of the state's vaccination plan starting Thursday.

Instead, many local health departments are prioritizing getting second shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines into arms, as well as first shots to front-line essential workers and those 65 years and older.

Vaccine allocation has dropped off in recent weeks, and due to that shortage, suburban health departments — including suburban Cook, DuPage, Lake, McHenry, Will and DuPage counties, as well as the city of Chicago — will not follow Illinois' plan to include those with health conditions under the age of 65 that make them particularly vulnerable to developing severe conditions, according to the Daily Herald. With vaccine supply so low, many in Phase 1b, including essential workers and those over the age of 65, are struggling to secure an appointment for the vaccine.

Earlier this month, Pritzker announced vaccine distribution to the medically vulnerable group would begin on Feb. 25. Those with cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, heart conditions, an immunocompromised state from a solid organ transplant, obesity, pregnancy, pulmonary disease or sickle cell disease are among those that could be eligible.

At the time, Pritzker said vaccines were becoming more readily available. But, since then, distribution has slowed.

• Illinois To Vaccinate People With Health Risks During Phase

On Friday, McHenry County Department of Health officials said they would instead prioritize getting second doses into the arms of those who've already started the vaccination process. This would include those 65 and older and first responders.

"MCDH is administering vaccine to Phase 1a and Phase 1b priority groups and stands ready to scale up its clinic operations once the vaccine supply increases," according to the statement.

Severe weather has hampered, and even stopped, weekly vaccine allotments to counties.

Last week, the McHenry County Department of Health did not get its regular shipment. The health department, as of late last week, had 6,446 doses of the vaccine on hand. Of those doses, 4,060 are earmarked for community partners, such as hospitals, pharmacies and community clinics.

Scheduled health department clinics were projected to use 2,160 doses, leaving just 226 doses on hand until more vaccines are delivered, according to a statement from the health department.

On Feb. 10, the day of Pritzker's announcement, 1,900 vaccines were put into McHenry County residents' arms, and the rolling seven-day average for daily shots was just over 1,000. On Tuesday, 399 vaccines were given to McHenry County residents, and the daily average for shots was 923.

To date, 9,455 residents have been fully vaccinated since late December in McHenry County, which is 3.06 percent of the total population.

“To be clear, we will still be providing first dose vaccinations to our 65 and older population,” said Public Health Administrator Melissa Adamson. “It’s equally important that we get folks who’ve already had their first dose the second shot they need to be fully vaccinated. With the limited supplies of vaccine we’ve received in our county, we’ve had to make very difficult decisions about how to prioritize vaccine doses. Until shipments of vaccine can accommodate our needs, we will continue to prioritize people who are most at risk for severe morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19 infection, which is our 65 and older before moving on to other subgroups within Phase 1b group.”

A new permanent distribution site at a former Kmart in McHenry should help once they have more shots to dole out, health officials said.

"Until vaccine supplies can meet the needs of those who’ve been prioritized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MCDH will continue to focus its efforts on healthcare workers, seniors and frontline essential workers," according to the health department's statement.

But this does not mean those with medical conditions under the age of 65 years old can not get a shot soon — pharmacy chains and hospitals providing vaccines are not affected by the health department's decision and could decide to vaccinate them staring as early as Thursday, according to the Daily Herald.

The Lake County Health Department said the phases set up for vaccination were based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health officials say expanding Phase 1b would mean healthcare workers, senior citizens and frontline essential workers would face an even tougher time getting their vaccines.

"We respect the governor's direction; however, in this case, given our limited supply of vaccine, we need to make a local decision that will best serve the needs of our residents," the health department said in a statement.

The health department says more vaccines are needed.

"Our greatest challenge continues to be the very limited supply of vaccine we are receiving. While we are making progress every day with vaccinating people in Phase 1a and 1b, at this time we are not being supplied with enough doses to expand eligibility in these phases," according to the statement.