Why is it so hard to get the COVID-19 vaccine this fall?
Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, Sameer Vohra, getting his flu shot immediately after getting his COVID shot on November 8, 2023 in Champaign. Mae Antar/IPM News
The Illinois Department of Public Health said that the new COVID-19 vaccine is recommended and proven by the Centers for Disease Control for Prevention to prevent outcomes like hospitalizations, deaths, and even long COVID. But getting access to the vaccine is more difficult than during the state of emergency. The vaccinations depend on insurance and availability at pharmacies. Click here for a resource to make a COVID-19 vaccination appointment.
GUESTS:
Sameer Vohra, MD
Director, Illinois Department of Public Health
Richard Novak, MD
Professor and chief of infectious disease at UI Health at the University of Illinois Chicago
Lead investigator of the clinical trials for the Moderna vaccine at UIC where they participated in Phase 3 trials
Vidya Sundareshan, MD
Professor and chief of Infectious Diseases, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Medical Advisor, Sangamon County Department of Public Health