Illinois plans to expand the list of people eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations in Phase 1B of the rollout beginning next Thursday.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced that the state expects to add people with “a high risk medical condition” or comorbidities. The list includes people with cancer, diabetes, obesity, women who are pregnant, and people with various other conditions.
“In light of a steadily growing federal vaccine offering, Illinois plans to expand Phase 1B on Feb. 25 to people with co-morbidity and underlying conditions as defined by the CDC,” the governor’s office said in a press release. “In addition, Illinois will also prioritize individuals with disabilities.”
The list of eligible high-risk medical conditions (which is subject to change) includes:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Immunocompromised state of a solid organ transplant
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Lung disease
- Sickle cell disease
“Those under the age of 65 living with co-morbid conditions, such as cancer survivors or those with heart disease, have an increased risk of serious complications or death if they contract COVID-19,” Pritzker said in a statement. Illinois is moving forward in accordance with CDC guidelines to expand our eligible population as supply permits, bringing us closer to the point where the vaccine is widely available to anyone who wants it. I encourage all Illinois residents to wear our masks and follow the mitigation measures so that more of our neighbors are healthy and alive when it is their turn on the vaccination line. “
The extension applies to people 16 and older who were not otherwise covered in previous fitness categories, the state said, adding that it plans to partner with local health departments and other healthcare providers as eligibility grows.
For a full rundown of where and how to book an appointment in Illinois or where to get vaccine information for your area, click here.
According to medical experts from Illinois and the US, pregnant women were excluded from trials for the vaccine, so there was little information about the safety of the vaccines for that group.
Earlier this month, White House health adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci said that “no red flags” have been seen in the more than 10,000 pregnant women who have received vaccinations to date.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines state that if a woman is part of a group recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and is pregnant, she can choose to get vaccinated. A conversation with her health care provider can help her make an informed decision, the agency said.
Already, more than 3.2 million Illinois residents are eligible for Phase 1B vaccinations, including people 65 and older and “front-line workers.”
Here’s a look at who has already been admitted, in addition to health professionals and those in long-term care facilities who were eligible for Phase 1A:
- Residents aged 65 and over
- Primary care workers, meaning “residents who are at higher risk for COVID-19 exposure because of their work duties, often because they cannot work from home, and / or they must work closely with others without being able to distance themselves socially. contains:
- First responders: Fire brigade, police, 911 workers, security personnel, school officers
- Education: Teachers, principals, student support, student resources, childcare
- Food and agriculture: Processing, plants, veterinary health, animal husbandry, animal care
- Manufacturing: Industrial production of goods for distribution to retailers, wholesalers or other manufacturers
- Corrections workers and prisoners: Prison workers, juvenile detention center staff, personal support workers, detainees
- USPS employees
- Public transport employees: Flight crew, bus drivers, train drivers, taxi drivers, para-transit drivers, personal support, ride sharing services
- Supermarket employees: Baggers, cashiers, stockholders, takeout, customer service
- Shelters and nursery: Homeless shelters, women’s shelters, adult day / walk-in program, sheltered workplace, psychosocial rehab