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“Our singular goal is for all Chicagoans, all Chicagoans, to have safe and easy access to the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible, and I want to emphasize, folks, at no charge,” said Mayor Lightfoot.
OBSERVE: Mayor Lightfoot Discusses Chicago Vaccination Plans
The first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines were administered in the UK on Tuesday. In the US, the FDA has not yet approved a COVID-19 vaccine. Pfizer’s will be reviewed on Thursday.
If Pfizer’s vaccine is approved, Mayor Lightfoot said the city could begin administering it at 34 city hospitals the week of Dec. 14.
“Part of the reason we are treating all 34 hospitals at the same time, even though there are only 23,000 doses, is that we want to make sure that the entire vaccine is being used,” said Dr. Allison Arwady, Commissioner of the Department of Public Health. from Chicago.
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The city expects to receive about 23,000 vaccines in the initial batch with more doses in the coming weeks.
“The development of the vaccine represents a long-awaited milestone in Chicago’s – and the nation’s – fight against COVID-19, and we look forward to working with our partners across the city to ensure that the distribution process runs the way. as efficient and safe as possible through an equity lens. “said Mayor Lightfoot. “However, as encouraged as we are by the COVID-19 vaccine, widespread community distribution is still months away, and we must remain diligent in adhering to public health guidelines as we continue to move towards a brighter and more resilient future. for all of us. “
The second week of the launch will begin the immunization process for residents and staff in the city’s 128 long-term care facilities. From there, under federal guidance, it would likely expand to other essential workers, people 65 and older, and others with multiple chronic health conditions.
There are about 400,000 healthcare workers in Chicago, including doctors, nurses, and staff. The city plans to open vaccination clinics for healthcare workers, which operate by appointment only.
“The situation is very fluid as we don’t know how many we will get from week to week, and that will require us to be nimble in the way we respond. But I have complete confidence in the team that we have put together to handle this,” said Dr. Arwady. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have been working with healthcare and community partners on plans to rapidly distribute a large quantity of the vaccine. This will allow Chicago to start with as much vaccine as possible and continually increase the supply over the weeks. and months to follow. “
But how will people know when it is their turn?
“We are going to run a massive communications and messaging campaign so that people essentially know when they will be next in line,” said Mayor Lightfoot.
“There will be text messages. There will be announcements. A lot for people to know when the vaccine is available to them,” Dr. Arwady said.
Officials said that many in the first group of vaccines, including staff at long-term care centers and support workers at hospitals, come from minority communities. The city promised that the additional distribution will be done equitably.
“Particularly in the black community, we have had issues related to vaccine equity in the past,” Ald said. Roderick Saywer, District 6. “We want, we recognize it, and we want to make sure that science dictates what happens from this point on.”
The city says its goal is to vaccinate all Chicagoans by 2021 at no cost to people. CDPH said thousands of vaccine providers will be ready as more vaccines become available.
The locations include federally qualified medical offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals and health centers and will be available on the Vaccine Finder website.
Chicago Hospitals Prepare for Vaccine Arrival
The Chicago health department is working with more than 30 hospitals throughout the city to prepare for the vaccine.
Chicago-area hospitals are making plans for the first round of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, not knowing how much they will receive.
“We’ve been waiting to find out what the allocations will be,” said Dr. Michael Kelleher, chair of the Amita Health Vaccine Steering Committee. He said the group exists to help make the distribution process as easy as possible, but figuring out who gets it is just one part of a complex plan.
“We are developing protocols and training staff,” said Ali Ahmed, director of clinical research at Loretto Hospital.
Amita Health officials said the first in line will be “doctors, nurses and support staff who directly care for COVID-19 patients.”
The University of Chicago Medical Center said it plans to begin vaccinating employees next week. Hospital officials said they anticipate more than 1,900 doses in the first round. But there will be more to hospital plans than just the number of doses.
“It is not just about how much we are going to receive, but how we are going to get it.” Dr. Kelleher said. “The Pfizer vaccine requires ultra-cold storage, which creates logistical difficulties with distribution.”
While smaller hospitals, like Loretto in the Austin neighborhood of the city, are working to make sure they receive the same care as larger medical groups.
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“It is essential that the vaccine is delivered to the communities most affected and most in need,” said Ahmed.
While many hospitals are still working on their distribution plans, the only certainty is that a vaccine is on the way.
“We are living through this now, it is an incredibly stressful time, but I think now is a very exciting time because we can see some light at the end of the tunnel,” said Dr. Kelleher.
Hospital officials remind everyone who will not be a part of this first round of vaccinations to keep up their guard and continue with best health practices.
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