COVID-19 vaccines will soon be available to individuals in Illinois who have significant chronic health conditions that put them at greater risk should they become infected, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Wednesday. 

Beginning Feb. 25, individuals who have cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, diabetes, heart conditions, pulmonary disease, or sickle cell disease will become eligible. Individuals who are pregnant, obese, or who have received a solid organ transplant and are immunocompromised are also eligible. 

The change comes as the administration of President Joe Biden has announced an increase in vaccine supply by 30 percent, including a 5 percent increase this week. Additionally, the Johnson and Johnson-developed vaccine is scheduled for FDA review on Feb. 26, which may lead to many more available doses. 

“As quickly as we receive enough vaccine supply, we need to waste no time in protecting a broader section of our most vulnerable population,” Pritzker said in a statement. “Those who are under 65 and live with comorbidities, such as cancer survivors or those living with heart disease, have an elevated risk of serious complications or death if they contract COVID-19. Illinois is moving forward in accordance with guidance from the CDC to expand our eligible population as supply allows, getting us closer to the point when the vaccine is widely available to all who want it.”

The list of applicable co-morbidities is subject to change as CDC guidance changes. 

Allison F. Richard

Legislative Consultant