PEORIA, Ill. — The Peoria City/County Health Department Thursday provided a vaccination distribution update and announced an additional way individuals can schedule first dose vaccination appointments.
Beginning Friday, March 5, the tri-county will enter Phase 1B+ of coronavirus vaccinations, said Public Health Administrator Monica Hendrickson.
“This phase includes individuals aged 16 to 64 with medical conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19,” said Hendrickson. “These conditions include obesity, diabetes, pulmonary disease, smoking, heart conditions, chronic kidney disease, cancer, solid organ transplant, sickle cell disease, pregnancy and persons with disabilities not otherwise covered.”
The Health Department expects vaccine supply to increase over the coming weeks, however the recently approved Johnson & Johnson vaccine has yet to be shipped to the tri-county area, according to Hendrickson.
Hendrickson also said if the Johnson & Johnson allotment for the tri-county area is substantial enough, a mass vaccination site may be a possibility. Since the Johnson & Johnson shot is only one dose, it provides greater flexibility, added Hendrickson.
“The health departments all have history with drive-thru clinics,” said Hendrickson. “We actually use them for influenza a lot, and so, depending on allocation, we’re going to work through that process.”
All three vaccines are effective, and when it comes to distributing one vaccine or another, Hendrickson said it all comes down to not wasting doses.
President of HOI United Way Jennifer Zammuto also spoke and detailed a new way individuals can schedule an appointment to receive their first dose of coronavirus vaccine.
“Beginning Friday, March 5, individuals that fit the 1A and 1B state vaccination schedule that have yet to receive their first dose can call 2-1-1 to be placed on the 1st Dose Saver list,” said Zammuto.
2-1-1 will be available to assist with this process from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. If dialing 2-1-1 does not work, individuals can call (309)999-4029 for the same service, added Zammuto.
Zammuto also clarified if a person has already contacted their health department, then they are already on the 1st Dose Saver list and do not need to reach out to 2-1-1.
Thursday marked the one year anniversary of the COVID-19 press briefings for the tri-county.
