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
Travis Decker, wanted for murder.

Investigation for ‘killer’ dad Travis Decker concludes at popular nature area; police question hiker for more information

AUTHORITIES have called off the Idaho manhunt for alleged killer dad Travis…
'High Potential' star Javicia Leslie teases a villain twist you won't see coming: "You'll never guess who it was." 

‘High Potential’ Star Javicia Leslie Hints at Unexpected Villain Plot Twist: “You’ll Be Surprised Who It Is.”

LOS ANGELES — The filming of Season 2 of “High Potential” on…

Over-the-Counter Supplement Helps 8-Year-Old Regain Ability to Walk

A compound that can make a common over-the-counter supplement has given an…
Satellite image of Ingram Dam in Ingram, Texas before flash flooding.

Before-and-After Photos Highlight the Devastating Impact of Texas Floods and the Heartbreaking Closure of Camp Mystic

SATELLITE images snapped before and after the Texas floods reveal the complete…
Las Vegas woman describing shark attack in Florida.

Woman Attacked by Shark in Florida, Suffers Large ‘Barracuda-Sized Bite’ During Her First Visit

A VISITOR was severely injured when a shark bit her during her…
Illustration of Indiana fireworks legality: pie charts showing legal times to set off fireworks for various dates.

New July 9 ‘Fireworks’ Law Enforces Instant Fines in US Cities for Violations—With One Date Exception

PEOPLE who set off fireworks now face instant fines for breaking a…

Two Popular British Foods That Help Reduce Blood Pressure

Drinking tea and nibbling on dark chocolate could boost your heart health.…
Pennsylvania man who showed father's severed head on YouTube said he wanted to block him from being next Trump

Pennsylvania Man Displayed Father’s Severed Head on YouTube to Prevent His Political Rise

The Pennsylvania man accused of murdering his father and then uploading a…
Photo of Sunshine Stewart.

Paddleboarder, 48, discovered dead after disappearing during camp trip, prompting police search for ‘killer’

A PADDLEBOARDER mysteriously disappeared during a camping trip and has been discovered…
‘Love Island USA’ Star Zak Srakaew Says He Liked Amaya Espinal “More” After She Called Him An “Extremely” Odd Individual”: “I Lowkey Like A Little Bit Of Fire”

Zak Srakaew from ‘Love Island USA’ Admits He Grew More Fond of Amaya Espinal After Being Called an “Extremely” Odd Person: “I Secretly Enjoy a Bit of Spark”

Zak Srakaew came to the realization “too late” that Amaya Espinal was…
LiAngelo Ball files for divorce days after wife's pregnancy reveal

LiAngelo Ball Announces Divorce Shortly After Wife Reveals Pregnancy

LiAngelo Ball initiated divorce proceedings from Rashida Nicole just a week after…

Top Israeli Source: Arab-Led Military to Eliminate Houthis

A ground force led by Arab nations, possibly including a Yemenite force,…