In Whiteside County, IL, vaccinations of residents in long-term care facilities, Health Care workers, and first responders have moved quickly, since late December 2020, when the vaccine became available. This State of Illinois vaccination initiative is Phase 1A, and locally it is near completion. Phase 1B will expand vaccinations to include those 65 or older and persons at risk for severe complications from contracting COVID-19.
Morrison Community Hospital will become a facilitator of vaccinations for its patients.
“To all our valued patients, we are nearing completion of vaccinating our staff at MCH. In the following weeks we expect to begin vaccinating our MCH patients. Partnering with [Whiteside County Health Department], we will be vaccinating patients 65 or older and those at most risk for severe complications related to COVID-19 due to age or certain medical conditions.
“Beginning the week of Monday, January 18, 2021, we directly will be contacting our patients who meet the above criteria. If you would like to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and have not been contacted, please call 815-772-5537 to schedule an appointment. Please leave the following information with your message: full name, date of birth, and your MCH provider’s/doctor’s name.
“Someone will contact you to discuss the vaccine process. Due to limited supply of the vaccines, we will schedule based on medical necessity.
“Please help us reach our elderly population that might not check social media. Give them the information to call for an appointment. Thank you so much!”