Governor JB Pritzker announced Thursday that all Illinois residents age 16+ will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting April 12th.
The plan comes on the back of President Joe Biden’s announcement that all adults in the United States over the age of 18 should be made eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine no later than May 1.
Since the COVID-19 vaccine was first made available in Illinois last December, the state has administered over 4.3 million doses. The state is currently administering an average of 100,000 vaccines each day, with 1 in 4, including over 58% of Illinoisans ages 65 and over, Illinois adults over the age of 16 already vaccinated.
Pritzker said availability of the vaccines allow the state to open the pool of eligible candidates.
Back in December, the first shipment that came into Illinois was about 109,000 doses. This week, including the federal government’s allocations for pharmacy partners, community health centers, the United Center and the City of Chicago, more than 800,000 doses were delivered to Illinois.
Based on current projections, the state expects that number to surpass one million doses a week in April.
To date, the FDA has authorized the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in 16- and 17-year-olds as well as adults. The Johnson & Johnson and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are currently FDA authorized for use in those 18 and older.
While vaccine eligibility is expanding on April 12th, making an appointment to receive a shot may take time. Information regarding vaccination locations as well as details on how to book an appointment to receive the vaccine can be found at the state’s COVID website, coronavirus.illinois.gov. Residents who don’t have access to or need assistance navigating online services can call the toll-free IDPH hotline at 833-621-1284 to book an appointment. The hotline is open 7 days a week from 6am to midnight with agents available in English and Spanish.
Residents are encouraged to be patient in the days and weeks following April 12th as vaccination appointments may be limited.
Pritzker added that masks will still be mandated until the CDC says otherwise.
