MCHD expands into Phase 1B plus population

Posted on March 15, 2021
To date, over 63% of McLean County residents age 65 and older have now received at least their first dose of vaccine. (Facebook/Illinois National Guard)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Health Department will begin scheduling COVID-19 vaccinations for residents in the expanded Phase 1B plus population starting this week.

First dose appointments will be added to the health department’s website Monday at 2:00pm that are open to anyone in Phase 1A, 1B and 1B plus. Click here for a definition of Phases 1A, 1B and 1B Plus eligibility.

“Due to the limited vaccine that was arriving each week in our county we made the difficult decision to hold off on the expansion in February,” said MCHD Administrator Jessica McKnight. “We wanted to prioritize access for those age 65 and older in our community who are most vulnerable.”

“I am thrilled that, because of the increased vaccine allocations, we have seen in recent weeks that we are able to open up eligibility earlier than previously projected. And now more McLean County residents will have access to the vaccine,” McKnight said. 

To date, over 63% of McLean County residents age 65 and older have now received at least their first dose of vaccine.

In addition to the appointments posted Monday afternoon, the McLean County Health Department will post new vaccine clinics for the following week on its website at the normal scheduled time of Thursday at 11:00 am. Individuals who live or work in McLean County who are eligible as part of the Phase 1A, 1B or 1B Plus can register for an appointment via the MCHD website at https://health.mcleancountyil.gov/790/COVID-19-Vaccine . Those with limited or no online access may call the MCHD COVID-19 Call Center (309) 888-5600 for assistance with scheduling. The Call Center is available Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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