(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- WBBM Newsradio brought you the story this week of a west suburban woman was denied a COVID-19 vaccine because she is breastfeeding her infant son.
Now there is an update: The Kane County Health Department has changed its policy and will allow pregnant or lactating women to get vaccinated, if they wish.
The agency says it reconsidered its earlier stance after consulting with Illinois state and federal health officials.
Kate Raess, a clinical therapist who tried to get vaccinated last month, was turned away because of the earlier policy. She’s breastfeeding her newborn son but said her personal physicians said it was all right for her to get the vaccine.
On Friday, she said the policy reversal is “incredible” news and she will try to book an appointment. Demand for COVID-19 vaccines far exceeds supply.
On the Kane County Health Department’s social media page, women are reacting with positive comments. One wrote, “About time!”
The issue of whether pregnant or lactating women should get vaccinated for COVID-19 has arisen because there is no data on these groups. Many experts say the vaccine should not pose a threat to them but advise them to consult with their healthcare providers.
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