Greetings Early Childhood Community,
As you are aware, on January 25, 2021, Illinois transitioned into Phase 1B to administer COVID-19 vaccines to those eligible in Priority Group 1B. Illinois has included the following providers under the "educator" category eligible for vaccines in Priority Group 1B as outlined in the Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 Vaccination Plan:
- Early Intervention personnel
- Home- and center-based child care providers
- Home Visiting & Maternal, Infant & Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) providers
- Head Start/Early Head Start providers
- Preschool for All providers
- Support staff, including custodial, transportation, kitchen, and other staff
Please note that Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) staff and family members of the provider are not included in this priority group.
Early childhood providers are undoubtedly critical to not only the infrastructure of our State, but also in the care and education of our youngest citizens. Many of you are eager to receive your vaccines as soon as they become available, and we encourage all eligible early childhood education and care providers to do so.
However, it is important to note there are approximately 3.2 million Illinoisans who currently qualify for the vaccine in Priority Group 1B. Though you are eligible now, due to the limited supply of the vaccines and the limited number of healthcare providers administering the vaccine in Illinois, it may take weeks for an appointment to become available to you. It is expected to take at least several months before all those who are eligible in Priority Group 1B to receive their first dose of the vaccine.
Currently, demand for the vaccine outweighs supply. Patience is needed while vaccine quantities increase. With time, and as more shots arrive, the number of appointments in your area will open. Your patience has been unmatched since the beginning of this pandemic, and the vaccination process will also require a “we” as we get through it.
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To Find Available Vaccination Sites in Your Area (Statewide)
The distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine is federal to local; this would make your local health department, local medical facility, and/or local pharmacy your best resource regarding the availability of the vaccine in your area.
Please note the City of Chicago is receiving a supply of the vaccine that is separate from what is being distributed to the rest of the State.
All vaccinations are currently by appointment only. Coronavirus.Illinois.gov, the State’s COVID-19 response website, is regularly being updated to provide eligible residents with nearby vaccination sites using an interactive map, information on how to make an appointment to receive the vaccine, updates on the State’s plan and eligibility, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Click here to access a searchable map of vaccine locations across the State; this list includes local health departments, as well as Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, Kroger, Mariano’s, and Walgreens pharmacy locations that are administering vaccines. New sites and pharmacies are being added daily to this website page. Please check back regularly for available appointments in your area.
The COVID-19 vaccine is free, regardless of your insurance status. If you are insured, your insurance will be charged.
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Vaccination Appointments and Sites in Cook County
All early childhood providers who live and/or work in suburban Cook County can sign up with the Cook County Department of Public Health (serving all suburbs in Cook County except Oak Park, Skokie, Stickney, and Evanston) to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine at several different locations. If no appointments are available at the time you sign up, you will be contacted as soon as new appointments become available.
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Small Business Owners and Federal Relief Resources
Early childhood programs are also small businesses and should be maximizing the federal relief funds passed by Congress in December 2020. Click here for a list of resources to better understand what is available to help your business weather the financial storm created by the pandemic.
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In Closing
The COVID-19 vaccine is the hopeful light at the end of a very long tunnel we have been in since last March. That light shines bright; however, it is going to take time for us to reach it, together.
In the meantime, it is critical to still maintain the safety protocols. Continue to wear a mask, watch your distance, and wash your hands. Even after you receive your vaccine, in order to protect those around you, and those in your communities, you must continue to follow these safety guidelines.
Thank you and be well,
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Jamilah R. Jor'dan, PhD
Executive Director
Illinois Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development (GOECD)
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