Information provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Indiana Department of Health
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. and INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (February 16, 2021) – The federal government has notified all states of COVID-19 vaccine delivery delays across the entire country due to adverse weather and road conditions. Both Illinois and Indiana have taken steps to alert residents of potential delays and procure as much vaccine as possible.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Operation Warp Speed (OWS) are projecting adverse weather impacts to operations at its partner and carrier facilities where vaccines and ancillary supply kits originate. HHS/OWS have advised that many regularly projected deliveries for Tuesday will be significantly impacted by adverse weather occurring across the U.S. These impacts could continue throughout the week and could be affected by additional adverse weather projected later in the week.
Illinois
To help offset delayed vaccine deliveries, the State of Illinois proactively ordered vaccine to be delivered to its Strategic National Stockpile Receipt, Store, and Stage site in anticipation of adverse weather. Illinois is distributing that vaccine to many providers around the state Tuesday and Wednesday, as weather permits, to continue to support vaccination operations.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has been in close communication with local health department and other providers on potential delays. This has included webinars, weather situational updates, and a rapid electronic notification to all vaccine providers. IDPH will continue to communicate with our local partners and providers with any updates as we have them.
Indiana
The Indiana Department of Health announced Monday that Hoosiers who have COVID-19 vaccine appointments scheduled this week should be aware that inclement weather could impact clinic operations. The state is working with local vaccination sites to reschedule appointments as needed.
Individuals whose appointments are impacted will be notified by email or text message about the need to reschedule, which can be done by calling 211. The state is working to ensure that Hoosiers who are scheduled to receive their second dose of vaccine still receive the dose within the appropriate timeframe.
Related
- COVID-19 vaccination begins at South Suburban College (February 11, 2021)
- TF South becomes ‘designated vaccination site’ for District 215 personnel (February 10, 2021)