The first batch of COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Illinois on Monday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office said.
The state received about 43,000 does and expects additional doses in the coming weeks, his office said.
Health care workers at Loretto Hospital, 645 S. Central Ave., are expected to be the first in the city to receive the new vaccine Tuesday morning, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.
“Today marks a momentous occasion — not just this year, but in American history. Eleven months after scientists the world over first got their hands on the genetic sequence of this virus — and we are seeing the beginning of the end of this pandemic,” Pritzker said in a statement.
“I want to offer my gratitude not only to the researchers who fueled this moment, but also to all the truck drivers, pilots, logistics specialists, warehouse operations managers, and law enforcement officers who have spent the last few days and weeks deploying the largest national mission in a generation. May we all take a moment to feel hope today.”
I'm proud to report that Illinois’ first vaccine doses have arrived safely and are now being processed to go to our hospitals. I was elated to witness our first shipment arrive at the Illinois Strategic National Stockpile and have great appreciation to those who made it possible. pic.twitter.com/QgsODzlYhN
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) December 14, 2020
