(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Some nursing homes in Illinois have what the Pritkzer Administration considers to be unacceptably low vaccination rates for staff members and residents.
To help drive the point home, the Illinois Department of Public Health has posted a map of long-term care facilities across the state. The color-coded guide shows vaccination rates at nursing homes that range from less than 25% to more than 75%.
Chalet Living and Rehab in Rogers Park has a staff vaccination rate of only 5% (with a resident vaccination rate of just under 64%). Symphony of Chicago West has a resident vaccination rate of 70% and a staff vaccination rate of just over 20%.
WBBM Newsradio has asked both facilities for comment.
“Some of our most vulnerable residents live in long-term care facilities and in order to better protect them, COVID-19 vaccination rates in many facilities, especially among staff, need to increase,” said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the state health agency.
On Wednesday, Gov. JB Pritzker said he will require universal masking in Illinois long-term care facilities regardless of vaccination status.
The governor says staff at these sites are “on the front line of protecting thousands of our elderly loved ones.”
Lori Hendren, associate state director for AARP Illinois, said she’s concerned about the situation at some long-term care facilities.
“We have residents who’ve done everything they’re supposed to do. They’ve been vaccinated. They are there to age and to age with dignity and quality of life,” she said.
“But the question is, will they be able to have a quality of life? Will it be a safe environment?”
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