The Knox County Health Department says they have officially entered the next phase of vaccine eligibility.
The Health Department said Thursday they are onto Phase 1B and Phase 1BPlus.
That opens COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to many essential frontline workers and those between the ages of 16 and 64 with one of many qualifying medical conditions.
A few examples of essential front-line workers would be those who work in education, corrections workers, and grocery store staff.
A few of the underlying conditions that would make you eligible include; obesity, cancer, diabetes, or heart conditions. Smokers and those who are pregnant are also eligible in 1B.
There have already been Knox County residents under 65, that might not have even had one of these conditions who have gotten the vaccine. Those would have been administered through places like Walgreens and Hyvee, which get their supply through a federal system.
The general population over 65 is still eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Knox County Public Health Administrator Michele Gabriel says vaccinations are only by appointment right now.
She encourages the public to check the Health Department’s website and social media for updates. Registration links become available on Fridays at 2 p.m.
Gabriel adds that until the supply is increased there will be great demand and she asks for “support and patience”.
Galesburg Cottage Hospital, OSF HealthCare St Mary Medical Center, Hy-Vee, and Walgreens pharmacies are all vaccinating by appointment currently.
