SPRINGFIELD,Ill. — The number of people in Illinois eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Phase 1B expands this week.
The change is expected to go into effect Thursday, Feb. 25, allowing those with conditions like cancer, diabetes, C-O-P-D and obesity to get vaccinated, regardless of age.
However, health officials in Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford Counties will not participate in the expansion because of expected reduced availability of vaccines.
At an unrelated press conference, Gov. J-B Pritzker was asked if those seeking the shot will have to show proof of their condition.
“We’re not making people walk in with papers from their doctor to prove that they have diabetes or prove that they have cancer,” Pritzker said.
The governor said health care workers administering the COVID vaccine can ask people about their conditions to make sure they are eligible under Phase 1B, but many patients are going to their primary care physicians who already have their records.
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In addition to the Tri-County area, other areas are also opting to hold off on the 1B expansion until they get more doses of the vaccine.
