Illinois plans to expand the list of people eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations in Phase 1B of its February 25 start.
The government of Illinois, JB Pritzker, announced Wednesday that the state expects to add people at high risk to medical condition or comorbidity. The list includes those with cancer, diabetes, obesity, women who are pregnant, and those with various other conditions.
“In light of an increasing federal vaccine supply, Illinois plans to extend Phase 1B admission 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 also prioritize people with disabilities.”
The list of high-risk qualifying medical conditions (which are subject to change) includes:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Diabetes
- Heart condition
- Immuno-compromised State of a solid organ transplant
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Lung disease
- Sickle cell disease
“Those younger than 65 and living with disease conditions, such as cancer survivors or people suffering from heart disease, have an increased risk of serious complications or death if they contract COVID-19,” Pritzker said in a statement. forward. in line with the guidelines of the CDC to expand our eligible population as the supply allows, to bring us closer to the point where the vaccine is generally available to anyone who wants it. Meanwhile, I encourage all Illinois residents to wear our masks and follow the softeners so that more of our neighbors are healthy and alive when it’s their turn to get the vaccination line. ”
The extension applies to those 16 and older who would not otherwise be covered in previous admission categories, the state said, adding that they plan to work with local health departments and other providers as admission increases.
For a complete look at where and how to make an appointment in Illinois or where to get vaccine information for your area, click here.
According to medical experts in Illinois and America, pregnant women were excluded from trials for the vaccine, so there was little information on the safety of the vaccines for the group.
Earlier this month, dr. White House health adviser Anthony Fauci said “no red flags” had been seen among the more than 10,000 pregnant women who had received vaccine shots so far.
Clues issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that if a woman is part of a group that is recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and is pregnant, she may choose to be vaccinated . A conversation with her healthcare provider could help her make an informed decision, the agency said.
More than 3.2 million Illinois residents are already eligible for Phase 1B vaccinations, which target people aged 65 and older as well as ‘essential workers’.
Here’s a look at who is already included, in addition to health workers and those in long-term care facilities who are eligible for Phase 1A:
- Residents 65 years and older
- Frontline essential workers, which means ‘residents who are at higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 because of their work duties, often because they cannot work from home, and / or now have to work for others without’ to take a social distance. These include:
- First responders: Fire, law enforcement, 911 workers, security personnel, school officials
- Education: Teachers, principals, student support, student aids, day care worker
- Food and agriculture: Processing, plants, veterinary health, livestock services, animal care
- Manufacture: Industrial production of goods for distribution to retail, wholesale or other products
- Corrections workers and prisoners: Prison officers, youth staff, personal support workers, prisoners
- USPS workers
- Public transport workers: Flight staff, bus drivers, train conductors, taxi drivers, para-transit drivers, personal support, ride-sharing services
- Grocery Stores: Excavators, cashiers, stockers, bakkie, customer service
- Shelters and day care staff: Homeless shelter, women’s shelter, day for adults / boarding programs, sheltered workshop, psychosocial rehabilitation