Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Case Counts* in Kendall County

Total Cases in Residents: 7817

New Cases**: 86

Total Cases of Residents In-Recovery:  3839

Total Deaths:  64

*Case Counts are provisional as of 4:00 pm on 12.21.2020 and subject to change.

**New cases are included in total case number.

COVID Vaccine in Kendall County

The Kendall County Health Department has been preparing and working with partners at all levels including, health care providers, community leaders, and law enforcement, to develop responsive plans to accommodate different vaccines. The Health Department is planning to provide direct vaccination, but will also be assisted by health care facilities and pharmacies.

Vaccination for COVID-19 in Kendall County will be rolled out in phases, based on national guidance. There will be a very limited supply in the beginning. As a result, vaccines will be prioritized for:

• Healthcare workers – particularly those who treat or transport COVID patients. Hospitals will vaccinate their own employees. Kendall County Health Department will work to vaccinate those unaffiliated health care workers, including EMS.
• Residents and staff at long-term care facilities. Long-term care facilities are part of a federal program that works with pharmacies to vaccinate residents and staff.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Plan will require a 4 phased approach

PHASE 1: Limited Supply Available

A. 1a- “Jumpstart Phase” (Last week in December 2020)

• Health Care Personnel (Nurses, Doctors, respiratory techs, dentists, hygienists, home health, group home staff pharmacists, morticians, PH nurses)
• Long-Term Care Facility Residents and staff

B. 1b-

• Possible groups could include: Pending ACIP recommendations.
• Possible groups could include: Essential Frontline Workers (First responders, meat processing plants, utilities, transportation, corrections, education)

C. 1c-

• Possible groups could include: Pending ACIP recommendations.
• Possible groups could include: Adults with high risk medical conditions and those over 65 years of age. (obesity, diabetes, COPD, Heart conditions, chronic kidney, cancer, solid organ transplant, sickle cell)

PHASE 2: Larger Number of Vaccine Doses Available

A. Possible groups could include: Pending ACIP recommendations

B. Possible groups could include: Workers in industries and occupations important to the functioning of society (medical & dental personnel, food & beverage stores, cosmetic & beauty stores, optical goods, personal care stores, postal workers, warehousing personnel, medicine manufacturing)

C. Possible groups could include: People with moderate comorbid conditions

PHASE 3-Vaccine Supply Even More Widely Available

A. Possible groups could include: Pending ACIP recommendations

B. Possible groups could include: Immunizations of Children (when pediatric vaccine is approved)

C. Possible groups could include: Young Adults (18-30)

PHASE 4- Sufficient Supply of Vaccine Doses Available for Entire Population

A. Everyone who did not have access to the vaccine in previous phases

Vaccine supply is expected to continually increase in the weeks and months ahead. Kendall County Health Department will work with partners to ensure those that are the most vulnerable have access COVID vaccinations. Eventually, the vaccine will be available to all Kendall County residents who want it.

However, until we receive enough vaccine for the general public, it is imperative that we each do our part in protecting our families, friends, and co-workers by wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, hand washing, and avoiding in-person gatherings. These preventive measures will be especially important to follow during the upcoming holidays.

Please understand that as the vaccine roll out begins, adjustments may be made based on national guidelines, allocation and need.  For more information on the COVID Vaccine in Kendall County, please visit www.kendallhealth.org