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 This is the next phase of the vaccine pilot
program the administration announced on March 3, 2021, in which five
federally qualified health centers and four safety net hospitals
started receiving vaccine doses directly from the federal
government. This next phase specifically targets rural communities,
providing hundreds of doses to each site per week.
“I’m proud that we’re expanding this important program with a
special focus on rural communities,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
“Adding nine critical access hospitals across Illinois, to begin
receiving additional vaccine allocations, is a continuation of our
mission to meet communities where they already are. Rural
communities deserve the same protections from this virus that
suburban and urban communities get.”
Starting this week, the state will provide a combined total of
nearly 6,000 vaccine doses per week to nine critical access
hospitals. This is in addition to the allocated doses the state
distributes to existing health care partners, such as local health
departments and pharmacies.
This next phase aims to reduce disparities in access to the vaccine
by helping those who may face additional barriers such as underlying
conditions or reliable transportation. IDPH used rural and
geographic considerations to select the sites in this phase of the
pilot program.
“Our rural hospitals are thankful for the additional vaccines
being provided to our vulnerable members of the community,” said
Sen. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln). “The more shots in arms, the closer
we get to opening the doors to many of our businesses to full
capacity. We are all hopeful to continue this progress and get
business, tourism, and hospitality up and running. And I think we
are all looking forward to hugging our loved ones!”
“As we continue with the state’s vaccination rollout, it’s crucial
that the more rural areas of Illinois are not forgotten and
overlooked,” said Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg). “Especially here
in Southern Illinois where gaining access or traveling to vaccine
sites proves to be more of a challenge, we have to ensure that we
are doing everything we can bring vaccine availability to our
residents. I’m encouraged to learn that Hamilton Memorial Hospital
will be receiving critical vaccine dosages and hope that we continue
to expand vaccine access in the region.”
“The medical teams and staff at both Taylorville Memorial Hospital
and Hillsboro Area Hospital have been working diligently to improve
the health of those within their communities and this substantial
increase in the COVID-19 vaccine supply is urgently needed,” said
Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “We are certainly making strides
to bring this pandemic to an end as we’ve seen more hospitals
receive additional dosages. I am proud of this administration’s
efforts to target vulnerable areas where residents have experienced
limited access to the vaccine.”
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“Our critical access hospitals have been key partners
throughout this pandemic – helping care for our communities and now
helping get vaccines to our citizens,” said Rep. Avery Bourne
(R-Litchfield). “Broader vaccine availability and distribution in
our rural areas is good news as we work to fully reopen our state.”
“Critical access hospitals are an important partner
toward expanding COVID vaccine distribution in West Central
Illinois,” said Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Alpha). “Genesis Medical Center
in Aledo serves the needs of our community well and are an integral
piece of the puzzle distributing more vaccines in our region. I am
grateful for their involvement.”
“I am happy to report that Hamilton Memorial Hospital will be
expanding distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to Southern
Illinoisans,” said Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton). “We are fortunate
to have a critical access hospital in Southern Illinois to partner
with to get more vaccines in the arms of Illinoisans.”
The program is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to
reduce vaccine hesitancy, by providing residents with the
opportunity to receive vaccines from local, trusted providers.
Vaccines will be available to residents by appointment only. In
accordance with the first phase of the pilot program, the critical
access hospitals will first prioritize their patient base before
expanding their vaccine capacity to the broader community.
Sites participating in the program include:
Taylorville Memorial Hospital,
Christian County
Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services,
Ford County
Hamilton Memorial Hospital District, Hamilton County
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Logan County
Genesis Medical Center Aledo,
Mercer County
Hillsboro Area Hospital,
Montgomery County
Hopedale Medical Complex,
Tazewell County
Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center, Vermilion County
Fairfield Memorial Hospital,
Wayne County
Illinois continues to grow the network of state-supported
vaccination sites operating across Southern, Central and Northern
Illinois. To date, Illinois has more than 880 vaccination locations
statewide. To find additional information about vaccine
availability, including the locations and eligibility, visit
coronavirus.illinois.gov.
[Office of the Governor JB Pritzker] |
