Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said Wednesday that the state would be expanding Phase 1B of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan to people with comorbidities and underlying health conditions as defined by the CDC.
According to Gov. Pritzker, that expansion will occur on Thursday, Feb. 25.
Phase 1B of Illinois' vaccine distribution plan currently allows individuals who are 65-years-old and above to receive the vaccine, in addition to all frontline healthcare workers and non–healthcare frontline workers.
The eligibility expansion would allow Illinoisans who are 16-year-old and above with any of the following conditions to receive the vaccine:
- Cancer
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Diabetes
- Heart Condition
- Immunocompromised State from a Solid Organ Transplant
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Pulmonary Disease
- Sickle Cell Disease
Gov. Pritzker said that list is subject to change.
“As quickly as we receive enough vaccine supply, we need to waste no time in protecting a broader section of our most vulnerable population,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Those who are under 65 and live with comorbidities, such as cancer survivors or those living with heart disease, have an elevated risk of serious complications or death if they contract COVID-19."
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