Rockford Sun

Boone County essential workers and people 65 and older are signing up for COVID-19 vaccination appointments following.

They are part of the state's expanded vaccination program for the current tiered phase.

"As the vaccine becomes available to more of our residents, the county continues its deep commitment to equity and ensuring access for our populations most at risk of contracting COVID-19," Boone County Health Department Public Health Administrator Amanda Mehl said in a news release.

Boone County Health Department Public Health Administrator Amanda Mehl | Courtesy Photo

On Feb. 16, the county began scheduling appointments for individuals eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine under the state's Phase 1B tier.

"We have successfully secured additional doses from the Illinois Department of Public Health, allowing the county to expand operations by opening a clinic in partnership with the Keen Age Center who will host the clinics and Meijer Pharmacy, who will help administer [the] vaccine to our Boone County seniors," Mehl said.

The announcement marked Boone County's transition into Phase 1B of the state's vaccination tiers. Phase 1B, which includes work frontline essential workers, people 65 and older, inmates and people 16 to 64 years with high-risk medical conditions.

Phase 1C remains in draft form with no indication of when that tier will happen.

Boone County is working in partnership with area pharmacies and clinics to provide residents with COVID vaccines in community-based settings. Receiving the vaccine is by appointment only to help guarantee space and safety, and arrangements must be made before arrival.

"The ability to quickly expand access to vaccination in Boone County depends on the supply of [the] vaccine," Mehl said. "Now that we have received additional doses from the state, we are allocating 1,500-1,700 initial doses for clinics designated for Seniors 65 and older."