CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Illinois state agencies are launching a campaign to increase COVID-19 booster shot rates, especially for older residents.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said that most adults will be eligible for a booster in the coming days, once the Centers for Disease Control updates its formal recommendations. By the end of the week, millions more adults are expected to become eligible for a booster shot.
Pritzker said the CDC is set to authorize Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters in the next couple days. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike announced a statewide push to educate residents about booster shots.
"We all take booster shots already: for the flu, for the whooping cough, for tetanus. For COVID-19 it's no different. Booster shots are already a normal part of modern medicine," Pritzker said in the press conference.
State officials are also supporting skilled nursing and long-term care facilities to administer the extra shots for residents before Thanksgiving.
"We do know that advanced age is one of the most significant risk factors in breakthrough hospitalizations and deaths," Dr. Ezike said. "The overwhelming majority of hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID after being fully vaccinated have occurred in those over the age of 65."
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As of last week, only 18% of Illinoisans over 65 had received a booster shot.
She added that Pfizer is expected to review vaccinations for children ages 5 to 12 next week. Dr. Ezike and Pritzker also endorsed flu shots during the press conference.
"And the great thing is that you do not need a special visit. You can get the COVID vaccine and the flu shot at the very same visit," Dr. Ezike said.
No matter age or risk level, Pritzker said those who got the J&J shot will be eligible for a booster in the coming days.
"If you got a J&J shot in the spring, like I did, or anytime before late August, you will be able to go and get a second shot as soon as the end of this week,” he said.
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