The first shipment of the new COVID-19 vaccine has made it to Illinois.
The shipment to the Illinois Strategic National Stockpile Warehouse includes about 43,000 doses of Pfizer’s vaccine, with more on the way.
Governor JB Pritzker says distribution is being carefully orchestrated.
“The logistics of these first vaccine shipments are the most complex because maintaining ultra-cold temperatures until the very last moment are essential. Once the packages are received by medical providers, they only have days to use the vaccines,” said Pritzker.
State Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike says doses are very limited, so health care workers, as well as staff and residents of long term care facilities, will get the shot first.
“As more vaccine becomes available, more individuals will be eligible to receive the vaccine. But until that time, please let’s exercise patience and understand that there are others who may get the vaccine before you,” said Ezike.
Like other big cities, Chicago will receive its own shipments of the vaccine.
