CHICAGO, Ill. – The State of Illinois is starting a new campaign to make sure that those eligible for COVID-19 booster shots can get them.
So far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is backing booster shots for those 65 and older, those who work in so-called high-risk settings, and those with underlying medical conditions. Governor JB Pritzker says he’s especially concerned about that older population.
“For our seniors, you’re 29 times more likely to end up in the hospital if you’re unvaccinated. 29 times,” said Pritzker. “Boosters will extend that lifesaving protection.”
Meanwhile, Pritzker says he’s concerned about municipalities like Chicago who may lose police officers over vaccine mandates.
“We have offered to any municipality who asks the ability to request State Police, and, in the event of some serious emergency, the National Guard,” said Pritzker.
That said, Pritzker says just how much the State Police could help depends on the number of cops who walk out.
On Monday, the State of Illinois reached the fourth agreement with a state employees union regarding vaccine mandates.
The Governor also continues to keep an indoor mask mandate in effect for the time being.
