SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The state of Illinois Monday received approximately 43,000 doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine at the Illinois Strategic National Stockpile (SNS).
It’s the first shipment the state has received with additional shipments expected in the coming weeks.
Most of the doses received will be delivered from the SNS to Regional Hospital Coordination Centers around Illinois that will serve as pick up locations for local health departments to distribute to healthcare workers.
In addition, Chicago received a direct shipment from the federal government.
“Today marks a momentous occasion – not just this year, but in American history,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Eleven months after scientists the world over first got their hands on the genetic sequence of this virus – and we are seeing the beginning of the end of this pandemic.”
These direct shipments account for the state’s initial expected allocation of 100,000 doses.
Pritzker and IIllinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike will be in Peoria Tuesday morning to witness Illinois’ first health care worker outside of Chicago get vaccinated at OSF Saint Francis.
