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* Chicago’s vaccination Phase 1b…
People 65 years of age and older: People 65 years of age and older; where possible, prioritizing Chicagoans 75 years and older and Chicagoans age 65-74 with underlying medical conditions
Non-healthcare residential settings: Homeless shelters, women’s shelters, adult day care programs, correctional settings (jail officers, juvenile facility staff, workers providing in-person support, detainees), and other non-healthcare residential settings that have experienced outbreaks (e.g. convents)
First Responders: Fire, law enforcement, 911 workers, security personnel, school officers
Grocery Store Workers: Baggers, cashiers, stockers, pick-up, customer service, those working in feeding or at food pantries
Education: Teachers, principals, student support, and student aides at pre-K-12 schools, day care staff
Public Transit Workers: Bus drivers, train conductors, flight crews, taxi drivers and ride sharing services (workers that have worked an average of at least 20 hours per week for the last three months), and all persons working for local transit agencies unable to work from home
Manufacturing: Industrial production of goods for distribution to retail, wholesale or other manufacturers
Food and Agriculture: Processing plants, veterinary health, livestock services, animal care, greenhouses and indoor locations where food is grown en masse
Government: U.S. Postal Service Workers; City government leaders and City elected officials critical to maintain continuity of governmental operations and services
* Tribune…
Chicago Public Schools unveiled its coronavirus vaccination plan for teachers Friday, saying the district will start providing doses to staff members in mid-February.
* Press release…
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), alongside elected officials and community partners, announced new initiatives today to address racial equity in the COVID-19 response and vaccine distribution, with early data estimates demonstrating low vaccination rates among Black and Latinx Chicagoans. As Chicago moves into Phase 1b of the vaccination effort, City leaders outlined further efforts to bolster the equity plan to ensure that vaccine reaches the individuals and communities most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
* Teachers and others will have to wait, but on the very first day of eligibility, Mayor Lightfoot (age 58) got her shot…
She got her shot from CDPH Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady. Arwady says it was the Pfizer vaccine. pic.twitter.com/55DFC6sd6F
— A.D. Quig (@ad_quig) January 25, 2021
Others being vaccinated right now: 6th Ward Alderman @RoderickTSawyer, Latino Policy Forum Director @PuentePolicy, and @helenegayle with @ChiTrust https://t.co/fSuKj7yydr
— Becky Vevea (@beckyvevea) January 25, 2021
Arwady: We get ~34,000 doses of vaccine coming every week. We don't even get enough vaccine per week to vaccinate 5% of the people who are eligible to be vaccinated.
— Kelly Bauer (@BauerJournalism) January 25, 2021
* The Question: In your opinion, is it appropriate for the mayor to have received her vaccination on the first day of eligibility? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please…
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 1:48 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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Of course. Not the biggest fan but she’s the mayor of one of the most important cities in the world. Plus, she sets an example for others.
Comment by DuPage Moderate Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 1:53 pm
I think it’s good to help reduce Black concern about vaccines. There are very good reasons why Black people would be suspicious of the medical establishment, but it is a new day and anything that helps get those life-saving shots in arms is worth doing.
Comment by Dan Johnson Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 1:54 pm
Yes, it’s appropriate to demonstrate that the vaccine is safe, not because the Mayor is somehow more important than anyone else.
There is an alarmingly high degree of public reluctance to get any vaccine and now these new ones are only being made available under emergency approval. Having leaders like Lightfoot step up and take it themselves can’t hurt.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 1:55 pm
I voted yes. There are an alarming number of individuals who are delaying going in. She can set a good example.
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 1:57 pm
100% appropriate and important.
The more coverage of her getting the vaccine the better.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 1:58 pm
It was a stretch for me to get to yes on the Mayor, the others, no way. I get the example the Mayor sets, and thats valid. The others, pure clouting themselves in. I know thats the Chicago Way, but really unfortunate in a time like this,
Comment by Red Ranger Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 1:58 pm
Yes. By necessity, she comes into contact with lots and lots of people. She shouldn’t have to risk getting the virus or spreading it.
Comment by MSIX Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 1:59 pm
I think it is appropriate, but it has negative political risks and regardless of how appropriate it was, her opponents will use it as a means to criticize her.
It might be helpful for everyone to take a moment to recall that sometimes mistrust in the Government has been earned by decades of malfeasance, including explorative and unethical experimentation.
Vaccines are in short supply right now, but hopefully within a few months the problem we’ll be having is getting people to show up to get vaccinated instead of not having enough doses.
Comment by Candy Dogood Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:01 pm
I don’t have a problem with her getting it. But if I were mayor, I’d make sure every teacher who is being asked to return to the classroom and every single one of my fire department paramedics got the shot before I did.
Comment by Telly Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:02 pm
No one is going to decide to get innoculated because the mayor got innoculated first.
It would be different if she was offered the vaccine and refused, or was discouraging others from taking it.
It sends a horrible message to teachers, whom she is asking to go back to work without a vaccine, that her safety and well being is more important than theirs.
Comment by Thomas Paine Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:04 pm
=== No one is going to decide to get innoculated because the mayor got inoculated first.===
… and yet those refusing to get inoculated cite fear because “others” aren’t getting it when they can.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:07 pm
Voted no because “Chicago Public Schools…staff members in mid-February”
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:08 pm
==No one is going to decide to get inoculated because the mayor got inoculated first.==
Based on what?
==It would be different if she was offered the vaccine and refused==
So you you’re suggestion is that, as an essential worker (yes, the full-time executive of the third largest City in the country is essential), she would be worth of criticism if it was offered and refused, but also that she should have refused it? Pick a lane.
Comment by Nuke the Whales Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:09 pm
On the one side, it comes off as special treatment for being the mayor as receiving the dose, but on other hand, it’s primarily a PSA for the residents of Chicago to show that it’s safe and important to take.
In the mid-70’s, when warned of the Swine Flu pandemic, President Ford swiftly went public and was the first to take the shot to calm the fears.
The problem now in 2021 is that their isn’t enough for all the citizenry. Therefore, for most, ya need to wait.
Comment by Pizza Man Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:11 pm
No.
If its about vaccine hesitancy in black and brown communities in the city then have Jesse White get his while the Mayor stands along side.
Comment by Cool Papa Bell Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:11 pm
Seems like good emergency planning to me.
Comment by yinn Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:14 pm
Yes, because she is mayor, Chicago’s chief executive. Her position warrants it. Better to take it as early as possible, to set an example as well.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:15 pm
Voted “yes,” only because “appropriate” is a forgiving term.
Was it admirable that the mayor jumped to the front of the line? No.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:16 pm
Yes, because the return on investment is significant. Administering one vaccine to the mayor may inspire countless others to get it who might otherwise have been hesitant.
Comment by LakeCo Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:19 pm
Yes, considering the concern in some communities about the vaccine I think this is a good idea.
Comment by OneMan Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:19 pm
The people that have been on the front lines exposed to hundreds of others each day for the past months should be first in line. Those in our food supply chain should definitely be before politicians. First responders, mass transit employees, first responders and those in the most at risk category by age or health should be insured first in line in the 1b vaccine rollout.
Comment by Arock Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:20 pm
Voted Yes. I view this more as a public service announcement than someone “jumping the line.”
Comment by A Parent Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:24 pm
Reluctantly voted yes. I’m not sure there’s much value in her showing her support this way, but there’s probably some. There could be people willing to get the shot if the mayor gets it, though I have my doubts. And saving 1 shot for someone else is a pretty small gain to balance that against.
Comment by Perrid Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:26 pm
Voted no. She should wait her turn in line like everyone else. She is no more worthy than anyone else.
Comment by Really Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:31 pm
A family friend who just turned 87 is a Cook County suburban resident fully “with it” mentally, and is a long term cancer survivor. She has not left her house in almost a year while waiting for a vaccine. She has still not been able to schedule one after multiple attempts of trying to get on a list. Fair or not, that friend is not taking the Mayor’s action to get a shot very well today. Just sayin’.
Comment by Responsa Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:31 pm
Oswego Willie at 1:58 is correct.
Comment by Chito Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:38 pm
Yes. She is the Mayor and we need her well and it sets an important example for everyone else
Comment by RWP Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:38 pm
=== on the first day of eligibility?===
The mayor is also eligible, so there’s that.
Ignoring that fact isn’t helpful. On her first day of eligibility, not a privilege outside eligibility.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:40 pm
Totally fine.
It was no win situation for the Mayor, delay her shot and deal with “Do as I say, not as I do” criticisms as she promotes it. Go ahead and get it and, well… she gets what’s being flung at her today.
Still the right thing to do tho imho.
Comment by ChicagoBars Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:44 pm
I think that it’s fine that she got it since she did not cut the line.
Comment by hmmm Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:49 pm
I voted no. I like the fact that she is trying to set an example, but I am sure she could have found an elderly person who can set an example as well.
Comment by illinifan Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:54 pm
=== The Mayor is also eligible, so there’s that ===
The Mayor’s public health system and school district also aren’t going to let teachers get vaccinated until mid-February, so there is that.
All city employees are equal, but some city employees are more equal than others.
Comment by Thomas Paine Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 2:58 pm
I’m definitely fine with her getting a shot now. She qualifies based on the criteria that applies to everyone. Getting the vaccine now is good publicity that we are moving to 1B and that it is safe to take.
Comment by City Guy Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 3:00 pm
=== The Mayor’s public health system and school district also aren’t going to let teachers get vaccinated until mid-February, so there is that.===
What criteria was the mayor eligible that those you cute would not be eligible if they met that criteria?
Do I think teachers should be vaccinated, like yesterday? Yes.
Doesn’t change the fact the mayor is eligible, and those same teachers would be too if they met the criteria.
The mayor is in a no-win situation. I haven’t been a big fan on numerous fronts to how she’s gone about going about the business of being mayor. It’s not like the mayor made a special moment for her to get it, and the public service negates a great deal of the negative, some from the usual suspects looking for another reason to have angst.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 3:03 pm
Even though she is not 65 it’s important and appropriate for her to receive the vaccine to set an example for the city and to install confidence among its citizens.
Comment by Chambanalyst Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 3:08 pm
=== Mayor lightweight is probably not===
I’d file this under “… some from the usual suspects looking for another reason to have angst.”
It’s a no-win situation, I’m glad for anyone to get this vaccine, this virus cares little for one’s political inclinations
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 3:08 pm
Yes. Leadership still matters.
Comment by Biker Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 3:11 pm
Yes, you can not underestimate how many black people are afraid to get the vaccine. It is a huge problem in Chicago. She is a high profile black woman, and also the leader of Chicago’s government which is important during this crisis. Totally agree with it.
Comment by Just Me 2 Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 3:11 pm
I would say yes but she’s been forcing a huge amount of her non-essential staff to work in city hall throughout the pandemic. People who were able to work remotely, unimpeded, for months prior to that policy change.
I say she should have been the last to get the vaccine on her team, not the first.
Comment by Commisar Gritty Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 3:12 pm
===since she did not cut the line===
===The mayor is also eligible===
===She qualifies based on the criteria===
Um, whom do you think approved those categories?
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 3:17 pm
Yes, 100%. Whether you agree with her or not she’s the mayor and needs to be out there as much if not more than anyone else managing Chicago through this mess.
Comment by Shytown Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 3:19 pm
Yes. Leaders go first. Leaders don’t ask others to do what they would not do themselves.
We have many who are refusing the vaccine and we need visible leaders to step forward and take the vaccine.
JB, Welch, Harmon, Mendoza, Frerichs, Durbin, Duckworth, and White should all come forward and get the vaccine now. We need Illinoisans to trust this so we can try to get back to some semblance of normalcy.
Comment by MG85 Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 3:23 pm
===whom do you think approved those categories?===
To say “no-win” seems frivolous, especially since we are discussing a vaccine for a once a century virus causing a global pandemic.
To teachers and others that should be ahead or now be vaccinated, I’m in those ranks too. Vaccinating educators would quell some (I’d hope, politicizing this virus by any and all sides isn’t helping, sorry for the digress) of the angst of opening schools on all sides.
Lightfoot was not going to get a full positive response in any choice. With the criteria itself, as arbitrary (for lack of a better term to the choices *and* who set the parameters) as it can appear, it’s not an easy answer, but I’m glad she got it.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 3:29 pm
No it isn’t, and here is why. There is NEVER a situation that a mayor has to be within 6 feet of another person. Most of the rest of the people on that list have to work closely with others, and can’t maintain distance. So the Mayor can always maintain distance and wear a mask, and is at very little risk.
Comment by Smalls Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 3:40 pm
Of course the mayor should be vaccinated. She has been elected by the people of Chicago and we need our leaders to stay in place. I felt this way about Republicans, and for Democrats. Whether you like the leader is irrelevant.
I am sort of offended by all this discussion about who is “worthy”. It is but a short step from there to some sort of all around purity test.
Comment by Banish Misfortune Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 3:44 pm
The mayor needed to be at the forefront to set the example and assuage fears in the African American community.
Comment by Moderate Mom Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 3:51 pm
Yes. Once there’s enough supply available, she’s going to be publicly urging everyone to get vaccinated. When that time comes, she can tell people she did it at her first opportunity and they should too.
Comment by Earnest Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 3:56 pm
==There is NEVER a situation that a mayor has to be within 6 feet of another person.==
Really? The mayor is responsible for everything that happens in city government. The mayor is expected to know what is going on and will be criticized for not knowing. The responsibilities and expectations include going out and checking.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 4:04 pm
I’m going with yes. It’s one dose. More than 1 dose a day gets tossed out due to disorganization. Also, we expect her to be out and about in public across the city performing her job - she’s not just staying at home. So she should get it. But in getting it, she does need to be better at understanding why if you’re telling teachers they have to be out and about in public they would want it first as well.
Comment by Advocate Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 4:07 pm
The question that so many ask?
Is it safe?
She’s demonstrating it is and she’s publicly gettin the vax. It’s what many “need” to see.
If you’re voting no, you have unresolved issues with her that have nothing to do with this. Kinda shallow.
This ones easy. Of course she should.
Comment by A Guy Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 4:13 pm
The mayor needed to set an example for the understandably skeptical African American community.
Comment by Honor The Chief Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 4:15 pm
I’d answer the question on Lightfoot by posing a question: when British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was deathly ill with Covid in the spring there was panic because there’s not a 25th Amendment to determine who’s in charge. If she, or any other leader, gets sick there’s going to be problems getting someone else up to speed to make the necessary decisions. Are you willing to take that chance?
Comment by formerGOPer Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 4:15 pm
===Um, whom do you think approved those categories?===
Fair point, but aren’t these the same or similar to the categories approved (or recommended) by the CDC and the IDPH? It isn’t like Mayor Lightfoot prioritized public safety and healthcare workers over teachers just to spite them.
I think there are plenty of valid criticisms of her, but this isn’t one of them.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 4:21 pm
Yes. Absolutely. Heads of governments should be at the top of the list for continuity of goverment purposes. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 4:22 pm
Maybe I’m turning Republican in my old age- but the goal is maximum stability- the Mayor taking her shot- means she’s less likely to be personally infected- and so stability. All public employees- of whatever age should get the shots asap. Because stability.
Comment by West Sider Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 4:22 pm
===and the IDPH?===
Nope.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 4:24 pm
Absolutely she should get vaccinated, and as soon as it was available. The distribution of the vaccine with limited availability simply would never be imperfect, looking for fault with who is getting vaccinated before over whom is not helpful, and I much prefer to support everyone that steps up to get vaccinated and help move us beyond this pandemic.
Comment by S. Zissou Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 4:25 pm
Yes, because leaders are what they are, leaders. Whether it be President Trump or Biden, the VP’s, Governors or Mayors of major metropolitan areas, cabinet members, legislators or judges we need those folks in place and healthy to do their jobs.
Comment by nadia Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 4:33 pm
I do not understand people who think elected officials are bumping the line. There are certain elected officials that if they were to get sick would have a debilitating impact on the city/state/country. Do you want the mayor of the 3rd largest city in the country being unavailable for 2 weeks while she fights off COVID.
Now alderman and state reps on the other hand, they do not do anything anyway so they should wait.
Comment by Unionman Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 4:44 pm
==Um, whom do you think approved those categories==
Who do you think drafts and creates these categories? The mayor signs off on these things but do you really think she created categories to help herself? C’mon
Comment by Deep Dish Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 4:47 pm
You bet. Great example. Continuity. Protects will of the voters. Unless you work in or with city council, who can name her emergency successor without looking it up
Comment by Phineas Gurley Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 5:26 pm
It is important to include the vaccination of education workers as a priority. The idea of schools not spreading the virus has been misleading and unfair to children and education workers.
“Behind the White House Effort to Pressure the C.D.C on School Openings”
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/28/us/politics/white-house-cdc-coronavirus-schools.html
Comment by Enviro Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 5:29 pm
I voted no, and I also think it is inappropriate for K-12 teachers who are not teaching in person to be prioritized (contrary to CDC recommendations) over college faculty who are teaching in person. Virtually every state is doing that, not just Illinois, but it is still wrong. Vaccine priority should be based on science, e.g. age, preexisting health conditions and potential for exposure, not politics.
Comment by Andy S. Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 8:29 pm
Yes, for cryin’ out loud. She is the Mayor of one of the largest cities in America.
Comment by Mongo Monday, Jan 25, 21 @ 11:19 pm