As the COVID-19 vaccination efforts begin to increase, McHenry County has the lowest percentage of its population vaccinated out of the Chicago suburb collar counties.

The COVID-19 vaccine is in high demand in the area and there is a limited supply of the vaccine trickling in. The vaccination of healthcare and frontline workers, labeled 1A, are priority, according to the Vaccine Enrollment. 

Phase 1A has nearly completed their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Although Phase 1B has begun the vaccination process, it will likely be weeks before they are able to receive their first dose. Phase 1B includes seniors aged 65 and above as well as educators, first responders, and other essential workers. 

Thus far, 25,000 persons aged 65 and older have registered to get the vaccine and been placed on waiting lists. This number is predicted to grow substantially before they begin receiving their COVID-19 vaccines. 

Despite the slow stream of vaccines, McHenry Country has began to move back into phase four of the “Reopen Illinois” plan. This allows recreation venues can reopen, groups of up to 50 people can gather, bars can sever people indoors, and many businesses can increase capacity to 50%. 

Overall, Illinois is sixth in the country, following more populous states, in terms of percent of the population receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Illinois is partnering with pharmacies like Walgreens and Jewel-Osco to begin distributing COVID-19 vaccines as the production of the vaccine increasing allowing for more people to be vaccinated.