Statement Regarding Illinois Expansion of Phase 1b
The Lake County Health Department's goal is to get as many people vaccinated as quickly and efficiently as possible. Our greatest challenge continues to be the very limited supply of vaccine we are receiving. While we are making progress every day with vaccinating people in Phase 1a and 1b, at this time we are not being supplied with enough doses to expand eligibility in these phases.
Expanding Phase 1b in Lake County would result in our healthcare providers, seniors, frontline essential workers facing greater difficulty in getting vaccinated.
Until vaccine supply increases, Lake County will not be expanding to the "Phase 1b plus" group announced by the Governor, which includes people ages 16–64 with co-morbidities, high risk health conditions, and disabilities. Per
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for transitioning between phases, we will look to move in to the "Phase 1b plus" group when 60-70% of persons within the current phase are vaccinated or when supply of vaccines exceeds demand in the current phase. However, pharmacies and other entities that receive vaccines directly from the state or federal government are free to follow the Illinois expansion that begins February 25, 2021.
These phases were established after careful study and consideration, and are based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We respect the Governor's direction, however in this case, given our limited supply of vaccine, we need to make a local decision that will best serve the needs of our residents.
Phase 1a and Phase 1b Vaccine Opportunities Expanded
Beginning the week of February 15, 2021, COVID-19 vaccination appointments at the Lake County Fairgrounds will begin being offered to seniors ages 65 and older who are registered in the AllVax system. Vaccinations of healthcare workers and others eligible in Phase 1a are also continuing at the site and through partnering vaccine providers across the county. Read the full press release.
First Case of COVID-19 Variant Identified in Lake County
On February 6, the Health Department reported the first case of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) variant B.1.1.7 in Lake County. Read the full press release.