Dr. Ezike receives COVID-19 vaccination

Posted on January 12, 2021
Dr. Ezike is encouraging people to share photos of when they get vaccinated on social media and us the hash tag #VaxUpIL. (Twitter/Governor JB Pritzker)

 

By Neil Doyle

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike on Tuesday received her first dose of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine.

Ezike got the shot at the Cook County Health’s North Riverside Health Center in Riverside.

“I waited to let my physician colleagues and other health care personnel receive the vaccine first because they have a higher risk than me of being exposed to COVID-19,” said Ezike. “But I want to show people, and not just tell them, that I trust this vaccine and I want them to have confidence in the vaccine so they will get vaccinated when they are eligible.”

“I am taking this vaccine for my husband who gave me the scare of my life when he collapsed at the dinner table in front of me and our children in May. After being rushed to the hospital and learning of his diagnosis, it became intensely personal to never forget that this virus preys on people with pre-existing medical conditions. I am getting vaccinated for my children who have struggled like many of us.”

Ezike is encouraging people to share photos of when they get vaccinated on social media and us the hash tag #VaxUpIL.

More information about the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination can be found here.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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