Health Care Workers Will Get Coronavirus Vaccines First: KCHD

KANE COUNTY, IL — Health care workers will be among the first in line for the coronavirus vaccine, along with residents and staff at long-term-care facilities, the Kane County Health Department announced Wednesday.

KCHD officials expect first responders will be in the second group of people to receive a vaccine, though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could alter its guidelines for prioritizing who gets vaccinated.

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Kathy Fosser, who was named KCHD’s interim director following Barb Jeffers retirement Nov. 30, said public health officials must prioritize who will get a vaccine until it is widely available.

The Kane County Health Department said it is working to rapidly set up its vaccine-distribution process with the first shipments of a coronavirus vaccine expected later this month.

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Illinois Department of Public Health director Dr. Ngozi Ezike has said she expects Illinois to receive about 400,000 doses of the vaccine within 48 hours of its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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Kane County health officials are coordinating with local hospitals, health care systems and long-term-care facilities to ensure they are ready to distribute vaccines as soon as they are available, Fosser said. Officials are also working closely with police and fire departments throughout the county.

“There is a great anticipation for the vaccine, and it’s critical that the Kane County Health Department and our distribution partners stay focused on preparing to efficiently distribute and administer vaccines to those who are included in the first priority group,” Fosser said.

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Despite good news about a potential vaccine, Kane County health officials urged residents to continue wearing masks, keeping their distance from others and washing their hands.

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