Kendall County Plans Phased-In Approach For COVID-19 Vaccination

KENDALL COUNTY, IL — The Kendall County Health Department announced Monday that vaccinations for the coronavirus will be administered in phases starting the last week of December.

Health officials have been preparing and working with partners at all levels including, health care providers, community leaders, and law enforcement, to develop responsive plans to accommodate different vaccines. The department is planning to provide direct vaccination, but will also be assisted by health care facilities and pharmacies.

Since the death rate in the county is low and there are no local hospitals, the county will not be first in line to receive the Pfizer vaccine that is being distributed to other parts of the state, Kendall County Health Department Executive Director RaeAnn VanGundy told the county board last week.

There will be a very limited supply in the beginning. As a result, vaccines will be prioritized for:

• Healthcare workers – particularly those who treat or transport COVID-19 patients. Hospitals will vaccinate their own employees. Kendall County Health Department will work to vaccinate those unaffiliated health care workers, including EMS.
• Residents and staff at long-term care facilities. Long-term care facilities are part of a federal program that works with pharmacies to vaccinate residents and staff.

Vaccine supply is expected to continually increase in the weeks and months ahead, health officials said. KCHD will work with partners to ensure those that are the most vulnerable have access to vaccinations. Eventually, the vaccine will be available to all county residents who want it.

The KCHD COVID-19 Vaccination Plan will require a four-phased approach

PHASE 1: Limited Supply Available

A. 1a- “Jumpstart Phase” (Last week in December 2020)

• Health Care Personnel (nurses, doctors, respiratory techs, dentists, hygienists, home health, group home staff pharmacists, morticians, PH nurses)
• Long-Term Care Facility Residents and Staff

B. 1b-

• Possible groups could include: Pending ACIP recommendations.
• Possible groups could include: Essential Frontline Workers (first responders, meat processing plants, utilities, transportation, corrections, education)

C. 1c-

• Possible groups could include: Pending ACIP recommendations.
• Possible groups could include: Adults with high risk medical conditions and those over 65 years of age. (obesity, diabetes, COPD, Heart conditions, chronic kidney, cancer, solid organ transplant, sickle cell)

PHASE 2: Larger Number of Vaccine Doses Available

A. Possible groups could include: Pending ACIP recommendations
B. Possible groups could include: Workers in industries and occupations important to the functioning of society (medical & dental personnel, food & beverage stores, cosmetic & beauty stores, optical goods, personal care stores, postal workers, warehousing personnel, medicine manufacturing)
C. Possible groups could include: People with moderate comorbid conditions

PHASE 3-Vaccine Supply Even More Widely Available

A. Possible groups could include: Pending ACIP recommendations
B. Possible groups could include: Immunizations of Children (when pediatric vaccine is approved)
C. Possible groups could include: Young Adults (18-30)

PHASE 4- Sufficient Supply of Vaccine Doses Available for Entire Population

A. Everyone who did not have access to the vaccine in previous phases

"However, until we receive enough vaccine for the general public, it is imperative that we each do our part in protecting our families, friends, and co-workers by wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, handwashing, and avoiding in-person gatherings. These preventive measures will be especially important to follow during the upcoming holidays," the health department said in a release. "Please understand that as the vaccine roll out begins, adjustments may be made based on national guidelines, allocation and need."