Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (CBS) — The first doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine were headed to hospitals late Sunday, and were poised to be administered to frontline health care workers within hours.

The precious cargo started leaving Pfizer’s facility in Michigan early Sunday. It is a logistical challenge that involves factory workers, truck drivers, and even airline pilots.

On Sunday night, CBS 2’s Steven Graves broke down what the distribution in our region will look like.

The vaccine is a long time coming for health care workers. Hospitals like Stroger Hospital of Cook County and many others will get the vaccine first.

Illinois will receive more than 100,000 doses in the first run, while Indiana will receive a little more than half that many.

COVID-19 cases and deaths are still major concerns in both states.

Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine shipped out in frigid temperatures from the drug company’s Kalamazoo, Michigan site on Sunday. Truckloads of it were escorted by police.

Planes also filled up.

It is a portion of the approximately 3 million initial doses headed out nationwide. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said the state will get 109,000.

Counties with the highest COVID-19 death rates will take priority. Leaders in each area will determine allocations.

Chicago will manage its own supply and initially get 23,000 doses. Nine hospitals will store and distribute the vaccine.

Vaccination sites for health care workers – the first to receive the treatment – could look much like the makeshift pods now set up at Rush University Medical Center for the purpose. The plan is to vaccinate 1,000 staffers a day.

At Stroger, the plan is to vaccinate hundreds a day. In DuPage County, some doctors expect to get the shot as early as Tuesday.

Indiana is slated to get about 55,000 doses, at a time when the state is experiencing record hospitalizations.

“We do believe when nurses get a vaccines themselves, they role model the behavior we feel will set us on the path to attain widespread vaccination,” said Emily Sego, President of the Indiana State Nurses Association.

Northwest Indiana’s Munster Community Hospital is slated to serve as a pre-positioning site.

Right now, there is no mandate for people to take the vaccine. People are also encouraged to stay socially distant and mask up.

Also From CBS Chicago:

Source: CBS Chicago

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Rhode Island State Representative: Homan and ICE Keep Us Safe, Police Should Assist ICE

On Thursday’s broadcast of NewsNation’s “On Balance,” Rhode Island State Rep. Charlene…
A Landmark Crypto Week: House Passes GENIUS Act, Moves Clarity Act Forward to the Senate

Significant Progress in Crypto: House Approves GENIUS Act, Advances Clarity Act to Senate

It has been an important day for the cryptocurrency community. Following President…
Feds' California Home Depot raid nabs 11 illegal migrants, one with 67 prior jail bookings

Federal Authorities Arrest 11 Undocumented Immigrants at California Home Depot; One Individual Has 67 Previous Jail Bookings

Even as California officials resist federal immigration enforcement efforts, Border Patrol agents…
NASCAR Chicago Street Race will not return to Grant Park in 2026, could come back in 2027; initial 3-year contract ended

NASCAR Chicago Street Race Unlikely for Grant Park in 2026, Potential Return in 2027; Initial 3-Year Contract Concludes

CHICAGO (WLS) — The NASCAR Chicago Street Race will not return in…
Coca-Cola bottles made from 100% recycled materials.

Trump Announces Coca Cola’s Recipe Change, Promising ‘It’s Improved!’

DONALD Trump revealed he has convinced Coca Cola to make a major…
Aerial view of the Navigator of the Seas cruise ship docked in Miami, Florida.

Over 140 Passengers Fall Ill with Mystery Sickness on Royal Caribbean Cruise, Causing Severe Vomiting

OVER 140 individuals aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise experienced sudden illness during…
Smoke billows following Israeli strikes in Damascus.

Israel and Syria Reach Ceasefire Agreement, Says U.S. Envoy Following Days of Airstrikes and Rising Tensions

ISRAEL and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire, a US envoy has…
Jennifer Love Hewitt has ‘not talked’ to Sarah Michelle Gellar since age 18

Jennifer Love Hewitt and Sarah Michelle Gellar Haven’t Communicated Since They Were 18

Jennifer Love Hewitt and Sarah Michelle Gellar haven’t talked in many summers.…

Luigi Mangione Alleges Startling Misconduct

Lawyers for alleged assassin Luigi Mangione have accused the Manhattan District Attorney’s…
US immigration news: ICE arrests at courts in Chicago, nationwide labeled 'unlawful' in new lawsuit against Trump administration

Lawsuit Accuses Trump Administration of ‘Unlawful’ ICE Arrests at Chicago and Nationwide Courthouses: A New Debate in US Immigration

CHICAGO (WLS) — A fresh lawsuit claims that the U.S. Department of…
Western Springs home invasions: Homeowner describes Rugeley Road attack by suspect who reportedly got out of nearby hospital

Western Springs Home Invasions: Homeowner Recounts Rugeley Road Attack by Suspect Who Allegedly Escaped Local Hospital

WESTERN SPRINGS, Ill. (WLS) — A 70-year-old man on Thursday recounted allegedly…

Meghan Markle’s Netflix Show Struggles to Enter Top 300 Rankings

The lifestyle program With Love, Meghan, hosted by the Duchess of Sussex,…