Kane County Health Dept. prepares for COVID-19 vaccine distribution

KANE COUNTY – The Kane County Health Department is preparing for distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine upon its Emergency Use Authorization approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Initial shipments of the vaccine are anticipated this month.

According to a news release from the health department, staff members are working to organize the priority groups set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Priority groups are determined by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and are currently split into two separate phases that determine the order for who receives the vaccine first.

The first group to receive the vaccine will be healthcare workers and those serving in healthcare facility settings who are at an increased risk of exposure as well as staff and residents of skilled nursing facilities, the release stated.

First responders will likely be prioritized to receive the vaccine immediately after healthcare facility staff and residents. This information is subject to change based on further direction from the federal government.

“There is a great anticipation for the vaccine, and it’s critical that the Kane County Health Department and our distribution partners stay focused on preparing to efficiently distribute and administer vaccines to those who are included in the first priority group,” stated Kane County Health Department Interim Director Kathy Fosser. “This has to happen first before the vaccine will be accessible to the general public due to limited availability once vaccines are approved for use by the FDA.”

The health department is currently coordinating with hospital health care systems, long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and federally qualified healthcare facilities to prepare to make the vaccine immediately available to the staff in those locations.

The health department is also working closely with first responder departments, including Fire Departments and EMS systems to prepare for vaccine distribution to all first responder personnel throughout the county.

As part of its normal responsibilities, the health department’s Public Health Preparedness Program develops and executes plans and for mass-vaccination as well as distribution of other items received through the federal and state strategic national stockpile program such as personal protective equipment.

The public is advised to continue to take precautions. Wear a mask, wash your hands and maintain your social distance. Avoid social gatherings and get tested if you think you have been exposed, the release stated.

Drive-through community-based COVID-19 testing is available in Aurora at 2450 N. Farnsworth Ave., across from the Chicago Premium Outlets. The drive-through and walk-up testing site is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Testing is free and available to all regardless of age, COVID-19 symptoms, or insurance status. A parent or guardian must be present and able to provide consent for individuals under the age of 18.

Additional testing options are available in Kane County. For more information about all available testing sites in Kane County, visit the IDPH website at Test-Illinois.com. Many healthcare providers in Kane County also have COVID-19 testing available. Please contact your provider or the facility to ask about testing criteria and appointment availability.

For additional information and current updates on the COVID-19 situation, visit the KCHD website at KaneHealth.com or call the health department at 630-208-3801.