Over 18% Of DuPage County Residents Fully Vaccinated For COVID-19

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — As of Thursday, more than 18 percent of residents in DuPage County have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus, according to DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) data. In total, 168,993 residents have received both doses of the vaccination.

In another milestone, 464,334 residents have received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, accounting for more than 50 percent of the population. To date, more than 79 percent of DuPage County's seniors who are 65 or older have gotten their first dose of the vaccine.

During the past week, over 50,000 coronavirus vaccine doses were administered in DuPage County. The county health department reports it received 21,110 first doses of the coronavirus vaccine, in addition to its first shipments of the Janssen vaccine. The Janssen vaccine, which only requires one dose, will be prioritized for residents who "may have the greatest difficulty accessing two appointments," according to an update from DCHD.

Health department officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and continue to take precautions against coronavirus. “While vaccination rates are increasing, reports of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are beginning to rise as well. We must not let our guard downduring this critical time. Please continue to wear your mask, watch your distance, and wash your hands to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and the variants that are circulating across the country, including here in DuPage County and Illinois," DCHD Executive Director Karen Ayala said in a statement.

As of Thursday, DuPage County has seen 16 cases of the B.1.1.7 or "U.K." coronavirus variant, three cases of the P.1 "Brazil" variant and two cases of the B.1.429 "California" variant.

In late March, DuPage County expanded its coronavirus vaccine eligibility to include those in group 1 b plus. This includes residents from 16 to 64 years old with underlying conditions or disabilities.

Click the link to register for vaccine notifications in DuPage County.

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