Age to Receive COVID Vaccine in Phase 1B Lowered to 65

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Published on January 6 2021 4:33 pm
Last Updated on January 6 2021 4:33 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Governor J.B. Pritzker Wednesday announced the age for those to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Phase 1B of the state's immunization program has been lowered to 65.

We had reported earlier that the minimum to receive the vaccine in Phase 1B would be 75, but the governor has announced the lowering of the minimum age.

Pritzker said the average age of COVID-19 deaths is 81 for White residents, 72 for Black residents, and 68 for Latino residents. He said that is behind the decision to lower the minimum age for vaccinations in Phase 1B.

Phase 1B vaccinations will begin once Phase 1A vaccinations are substantially completed. Phase 1A is designed to get health care workers vaccinated.

Phase 1B will also involve vaccination of front line essential workers, about 30 million Americans.