SPRINGFIELD (WGEM) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Friday that additional essential workers will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine starting next Monday.
IDPH officials stated beginning Monday higher education staff, government workers and media will be eligible for vaccination at the more than 900 locations in the state’s provider network.
Then on Monday, March 29, food and beverage workers, construction trade workers and religious leaders will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
This is ahead of the opening of the vaccine to anyone over 16 in Illinois on April 12, which was announced Thursday.
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“From the very beginning of our COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Illinois has ensured our most vulnerable residents receive first access to these life-saving doses, from our healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff, to our 65 and over population and those living with pre-existing conditions, to frontline essential workers who are more exposed to COVID-19 at their workplaces,â€Â said Gov. JB Pritzker. “Before Illinois expands eligibility to all residents 16 years and older on April 12, I’m proud to announce expanded eligibility for additional groups of more vulnerable populations. With weekly shipments to Illinois surpassing one million doses in April, we are on track to save lives and bring this pandemic to an end.â€�
“As more vaccine becomes available in the coming weeks and months, we will continue to make sure we are reaching people who are at greater risk of exposure to the virus or from suffering severe illness due to COVID-19,� said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “While we will continue to prioritize individuals who are 65 years and older, as well as health care workers and individuals with underlying medical conditions, we want to maintain our momentum going forward and continue to increase our march towards herd immunity.�
