CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois' top doctor said everyone in the state deserves a chance to get a COVID-19 vaccine, but it'll take months for supply to meet demand.
Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike's comments in a weekend Chicago Tribune opinion piece amid complaints of shortages and difficulties in obtaining appointments.
The recent blast of winter weather also delayed shipments and canceled appointments.
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So far, health care workers, residents ages 65 and older and essential workers are eligible. Illinois officials hope to expand this month to people with underlying health conditions, but Chicago and other areas are delaying, citing a shortage.
On Sunday, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,585 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 including 35 additional deaths. Since the pandemic’s start, Illinois has had a total of 1,174,409 cases and 20,269 deaths.
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