COVID-19 Vaccine Planning in DeKalb County

Vaccine Update as of 2/26/21

Our first-dose vaccine allotment continues to be limited as Health Department’s throughout the state work to focus on administration of second dose vaccine.  After the weather-related shipment delays that took place last week, we did receive two shipments of vaccine this week.  We were also notified that the 300 first dose allocation projection for this week was increased to 700 doses.  While still significantly lower than some of our previous week allocations, this has allowed us to open up a few additional first dose clinics within the next week. Second dose clinics originally scheduled to be held on February 18^th and 19^th were moved to this week on February 25^th and 26^th.     

As of end of day on Thursday, February 25, 2021, DCHD has administered over 7,300 (1^st and 2^nd dose) COVID-19 vaccines to Phase 1a Healthcare Workers and individuals in Phase 1b including First Responders, individuals in the K-12 Education Sector, Childcare Providers, Public Transit Workers and those 65 and older. 

Since the week of December 21, 2020, we have allocated a total of 3,300 (1^st and 2^nd dose) vaccines to NM Kishwaukee and Valley West Hospitals for the vaccination of Healthcare workers and those patients 65 years and older. We have also recently partnered with Greater Elgin Center for Family Health to provide an initial allocation of 200 doses to be administered to their patients who fall in Phase 1a or 1b.  With the recent decrease in first dose vaccine availability, we are continuing to pause all re-allocation of vaccine until vaccine allotment increases.  

Until vaccine supply increases, DeKalb County will not be expanding to the Phase 1b Plus group announced by the Governor that includes individuals ages 16–64 years with co-morbidities and underlying conditions, as well as individuals with 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 supply increases significantly through more doses available of current vaccines or new vaccine authorized, when most persons within current Phase 1b are vaccinated or when demand in the current phase is less than vaccine available.

The Health Department does not currently allocate vaccine to local pharmacy providers. Vaccine supply for pharmacies is directly allocated by either the federal Government or the state. Although the state is actively adding pharmacy partners as vaccine locations, there are still limitations as it relates to appointment availability. Information on local vaccine providers can be accessed by using the following link: https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/vaccination-location

We continue to encourage those who work or live in DeKalb County to log on to the Health Department’s website to register to receive notification of vaccine availability.  There is no need to register more than once in the system.  Registering multiple times will not move you ahead on the list.  It is important for residents to know, that even though they are eligible in Phase 1b, it will take time before they are notified of their eligibility to register for an appointment. There is no need to verify your registration into the notification system.

We continue to advise the community that second dose vaccine appointments should be made at the same location the first dose was received.  Each vaccine provider receives specific second dose allocations based on the number of first doses they are allocated.  If you go to an alternate provider location for the second dose it may mean that you are taking away an allotted second dose from someone else at the other location. Individuals who receive 1st dose from DCHD will receive and email to schedule your second dose within a week of when your second dose is due.

Due to the size of Phase 1b and the current allocation, we ask that everyone be patient. Everyone in Phase 1b will not receive an appointment registration link at the same time. Registration is sent out to individuals on the vaccine notification list based on our current allocation for that week.

**Please understand that with winter storms, safety is our number one concern and it may be likely in the winter months that a COVID-19 appointment may be cancelled if a storm is projected. Please know that when this happens, we will reschedule your appointment. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we want all who are driving to our clinics to be safe.**