Phase 1b of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout

Photo courtesy to the CDC

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.- The McLean County Health Department is moving into Phase 1b of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. Appointments are available, starting this week [Jan. 18,] for individuals in Phase 1a and Phase 1b to receive COVID-19 vaccination. This includes healthcare workers, individuals age 65 and older and essential frontline workers.

“Eventually, everyone who wants a vaccine will be able to get one.  Fulfillment of the state’s plan will take time and patience.  Phase 1a and Phase 1b includes an estimated 50,000 individuals in McLean County,” said McLean County Health Department’s Jessica McKnight. “The public is encouraged to continue checking the calendar as additional clinics will be added.”

Individuals eligible for vaccine in Phase 1a and Phase 1b can also sign up on the Health Department’s website to receive email notification updates about our progress through the phases and about upcoming clinics for which they are eligible to set up an appointment.

Weekly shipments of the vaccine received across the state continues to be limited.

“The McLean County Health Department is committed to collaborating with our hospital systems and other healthcare partners to vaccinate everyone who wishes to be vaccinated as quickly and safely as possible, but it will take time,” said McKnight. “The logistics for operations of additional clinic locations are being worked out in order to increase access for all residents of McLean County when they are eligible to receive the vaccine.”

Around 6,000 vaccines have been given so far in McLean County, by hospitals, the Health Department and registered healthcare partners.

The Illinois Department of Public Health developed a dashboard that provides the number of vaccinated residents in each county and the percentage of the total population that have been fully vaccinated (that’s two doses, for Pfizer or Moderna, administered about 4 weeks apart).

“We remind you that even once you receive your doses, you should still wear your mask, wash your hands and watch your distance,” said McKnight. “Together, COVID-19 vaccination and following CDC’s recommendations for how to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from getting and spreading COVID-19.”