15 Percent Of DuPage Co. Residents Receive 1st COVID-19 Vaccine

WHEATON, IL — More than one in seven DuPage County residents, or 15 percent of the population, have received their first coronavirus vaccine dose, according the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD). The news comes as the county shifts its focus to administering second doses amid an ongoing shortage of vaccine doses throughout the state.

To date, 140,636 DuPage County residents have been vaccinated with their first dose. DCHD reports that 47,391 residents, or 5 percent of the population, have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus.

"We are very thankful to surpass this milestone of 1 in 7 residents having received at least their first COVID-19 vaccine dose. This achievement has been possible through our partnerships with local healthcare providers who are making great progress in vaccinating people as quickly as possible. We still have a long way to go, but thanks to the progress and collaboration we are achieving at the local level, it’s clear that we are on the right track,” DuPage County Health Department Executive Director Karen Ayala told Patch via email.

Related: Steep Decrease In Daily Vaccine Doses Doled Out In Illinois

Citing limited vaccine supply, the DuPage County Health Department recently announced that it would not yet expand its coronavirus vaccine eligibility to include residents ages 16 to 64 years old with high-risk medical conditions and disabilities. Suburban Cook, McHenry, Lake and Will Counties have also opted out of the Feb. 25 vaccine eligibility expansion, as has the city of Chicago.

As of Feb. 24, DCHD reports that 80 percent of the vaccine dose inventory it currently has on hand is allocated for upcoming second doses of the vaccine.

Those who live or work in DuPage County can click the link to register for a coronavirus vaccine appointment.