Winnebago County officials release COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Winnebago County Public Health Administrator Dr. Sandra Martell along with officials from the UIC College of Pharmacy announce how they plan to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine upon arrival.

“In order to get vaccinated we have to be here, so we have to take every necessary precaution,” said Dr. Martell.

Chris Schriever is a professor at UIC and says a vaccine could be in the county by December 12, and explains who could receive it first.

“As we look to distribute a vaccine we’re going to start with that highest risk group the group that has the most direct or indirect contact with those at risk and those are the ones that we think of as our front line workers,” said Schriever.

Schriever says high risk individuals would likely come next before opening it up to the general population. Despite having a plan outlined there’s still more work to go.

“We’ve starting using the services of an outside contractor to develop a computer program to interface all of this, so we can communicate not only with the state, but with the different health institutions in the area,” said Schriever.

Dr. Martell says we are making progress in this pandemic and urges residents to keep working together.

“This is not a political issue its a health issue, and we have an obligation for those who are healthy to protect those of us who are not as healthy and vulnerable,” said Dr. Martell.

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