Gov. extends initial shot deadline 2 weeks

CHICAGO >> Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike are giving people in high-risk settings another two weeks to receive an initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, they announced Friday.

All health care workers including nursing home employees, all education teachers and staff from kindergarten through college and higher education students are now be required to receive an initial dose of the vaccine by Sept. 19.

The extension came at the request of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association and leaders of education groups, they said.

“While hospitals and schools move forward in good faith, this extension ensures they are prepared to meet this requirement to better protect our most vulnerable residents and children who are not yet eligible to get vaccinated,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker announced the vaccine requirement on Aug. 26.