KANKAKEE – During a meeting of the County Board Tuesday, Kankakee County Health Administrator John Bevis reported at the current rate of COVID-19 allocation to the County, vaccine administration may not be complete for another three and a half years.
“Realize that if you got on that list six weeks ago, and you’re still at 10,000 and we’re only getting 500 doses a week to be able to do those shots. The math is not good. We estimate at 500 doses a week, we’ll have everyone’s first shot done in three and a half years.” Bevis said Tuesday. The county has reportedly received an inconstant supply of the drug ranging from 300 to 700 doses per week, with second shots scheduled for first distribution.
The revelation comes as more residents will become eligible for the vaccine beginning Thursday to include those with cancer, diabetes, obesity, and other at-risk factors. So far just over 4,500 residents have been fully vaccinated over two months into the administration process in the County, accounting for roughly four percent of the county’s residents.
The state average is also four percent.
A single dose of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine is expected to receive emergency approval sometime soon.
The company asked the FDA for emergency use authorization on February 4th. During Phase 3 trials, the drug was 66% effective. If approved, the new drug would allow additional distribution to the country’s vaccination efforts.
As of Tuesday, a total of 15,155 residents had received their first dose or more in Kankakee.
