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“Rural populations are just not coming out to get vaccinated”

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* The Tribune looks at differences in vaccine use between the Downstate and the Chicago areas…

One way to look at the situation is to measure the average number of doses on hand each day, compared to the average daily number of residents getting vaccinated. That formula shows three regions — West-Central, Metro East and South — have enough doses to vaccinate their residents, at their current paces, for more than three weeks.

Near Chicago, inventory levels are far smaller. IDPH doesn’t track the city of Chicago’s inventory, but for the four regions that encompass the suburbs, supply levels have lingered at 10 days or less.

The shortest supply can be found in the region that combines Lake and McHenry counties, which had on hand a supply good for barely four days’ worth of vaccinations.

Mark Pfister, director of Lake County’s health department, told the Tribune last week that his Lake County department has no trouble still filling up all appointment slots at clinics it runs. It also cannot keep up with all of the physicians and pharmacists vying for the doses provided by IDPH.

10 days isn’t bad. Four days, however, is way too tight. As we’ve already discussed, the state has changed the way it’s distributing the vaccines to deal with these regional differences.

More stuff in that Trib story, so click here.

…Adding… The governor’s office says the Tribune story is based only on one sort of distriction, via local health departments. There are, of course, several other dose sources, including mass vaccination sites, the federal government (to pharmacies), state strike teams, etc.

* WSIL…

For the Southern Seven Health Department, the average population for completely vaccinated adults is about 18.3%.

The average across Illinois is 25%.

“That shows you how much of a lag there is between the state average for fully vaccinated, and Southern Seven’s fully vaccinated average. And that is just because we don’t have people coming out to get vaccinated,” said Nathan Ryder, the Southern Seven Health Department outreach coordinator.

This trend is showing up not only in Southern Seven counties.

Jackson and Egyptian Health Departments have seen similar issues.

“They’re still seeing strong demand in larger cities and urban areas across the state. But just like many other places across the United States, rural populations are just not coming out to get vaccinated,” said Ryder.

* New poll…

Amidst the pause in the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, there has been no change in Americans’ likelihood to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.

* Currently, 20% say they are not at all likely to get the vaccine, as soon as it’s available to them. This number has remained steady since early January 2021.
* At the same time, the number of American adults that report receiving at least one dose of the vaccine continues to climb (now at 56%).

* Related…

* ‘Quite frustrating’: Dr. Fauci on GOP vaccine hesitancy

* National Guard Unit comes to Aurora COVID-19 vaccination site

* Press Release: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Launches #VaccTogether Campaign as COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Expands

* Study: Single COVID Vaccine Dose Insufficient for Individuals Who Had Mild Cases of Virus

* In recent COVID-19 outbreaks at schools, sports are the frequent culprit

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 9:58 am

Comments

Mobile vaccine clinics, partnering with churches, encouraging companies to pay workers to get vaccinated… there are many ways to get those on the fence to decide to get vaccinated.

Comment by Chicagonk Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 10:11 am
COVID-19 might become endemic to certain rural areas in the US the way other infectious diseases are around the globe.

Comment by Cool Papa Bell Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 10:12 am
I knew it would take a lot of pressure for some people to get jabbed. That is why I like the Johnson and Johnson vaccine so much, being only one shot. We need one shot vaccines, with a large amount of availability, a good campaign, and nurses in small towns on street corners offering immediate shots. It will take all four of those things.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 10:31 am
= there are many ways to get those on the fence to decide to get vaccinated.=

We didn’t involve churches because we were able to work with our health Dept and give staff reales time to get vaccinated and it still didn’t matter.

I have lived in rural Illinois for the last 20 years or so. In the last 5 years things have gotten progressively worse.

When I say progressively worse I mean:

-angrier at the world. People are generally nice to each other but the population is getting older because most of the kids are leaving when they are able. The anti tax attitude (which exists everywhere) is really hurting rural America. People don’t want to stay in a place without services etc. and small towns are in bad shape. The younger people that do stay seem to be of the same mindset as the older generations.

-Don’t trust science- I continue to see the Bailley’s and Miller’s of the world feed this sentiment. Rural America has real health care issues. Access to health care is worse than in high poverty urban areas in many cases.

Rural America seems to be bent on hurting themselves. No masks, no vaccines do not go well with poor health. Many of these folks are your salt of the earth types and they are hurting themselves and other and it breaks my heart.

If only the hucksters out there would deliver an honest message and encourage their constituents to get vaccinated.

Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 10:32 am
When there’s right wing media/celebrities pushing disinformation, it could be tough to break through. The Nuge announced he’s very sick with COVID but says he won’t take the vaccine because the government won’t say what’s in it [head slap]. These people have been working themselves and each other into an anti-government lather for so long, how can factual information get through?

Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 10:33 am
What is really starting to concern me is the potential increase of other diseases returning due to the new wave of not trusting vaccinations of any type.

I don’t wish for it to happen, but I don’t see any way we are going to avoid localized outbreaks of measles and mumps increasing over the next 12 months. Herd immunity is much higher for those, and it doesn’t take much to drop it below the critical point.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 10:35 am
One thing to understand (living in a rural county myself), there isnt as much urgency because they are rural… I generally wont even come into contact with someone outside my family or neighbor more than once or twice a week (trip to the store, or bank maybe).

In more populated areas, with people in constant contact are going to have greater need.

To me (43, healthy, no comorbidities) I have opted to wait for a month or so. Let folks get theirs that feel an urgent need, then I will go at some point…

This really doesnt mean its an “anti-science” or “Anti-vaxer” thing.

Comment by Ron - Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 10:36 am
@Grandson - A friend in deep SIL - told me a few months ago, he knew more people who had died from the vaccine than had of COVID. Illinois had vaccinated like 15,000 people at that point. There is no getting around this with some folks.

The message will never get through.

Comment by Cool Papa Bell Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 10:37 am
=== then I will go at some point ===

How about tomorrow.

I can understand the reasoning, however unless you are able to predict if you will or will not become infected and a possible asymptomatic spreader, the benefit gained from a delay is outweighed by the negative outcomes of waiting.

The one person you potentially could spread it to, could be the next superspreader at another event. The vaccine isn’t just about how it protects you, which seems to be what you are focusing on to come to your conclusion of waiting.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 10:42 am
@ Invisible. Well I work from home… I have 6-7 meetings a day, etc, etc. But like I said my risk is low. My wife who has upcoming business where she will leave the state in a month just got her first shot.

Again, I’ll get it. But realize my urgency is not that of someone with a 606xx zip code.

Comment by Ron - Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 10:44 am
I will never forgive Trump for not only playing down the problem and dismissing the solution, but secretly (and cravenly) getting the vaccine for himself and those close to him.

Comment by Jocko Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 10:45 am
===Again, I’ll get it.===

Your situation has little to nothing to do with this post. How about moving on or finding a way to contribute on-topic?

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 10:46 am
@JSMill - well said… I work with rural residents in a business dominated by rural folks. And they are so dang mad at everything.

I’m not sure who they “trust” anymore. Even Rodney Davis has been trying to get people to take a jab and I don’t think the message gets through. People feel isolated in these small towns - good and bad - and just don’t think those problems are ever going to impact them.

Comment by Cool Papa Bell Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 10:56 am
The subtext of so much of what we’ve seen during the course of the pandemic is - you can’t make me. Whether it’s closing a business, wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, or getting a vaccine. And that mindset has been reinforced by individuals who saw an opportunity to gain political capital even if it led to the spread of disease or even death. And as a result opinions are entrenched and people have dug in to resisting anything that they are being “told” to do. And as a society we all suffer the consequences.

Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 10:56 am
I was in not-all-that-rural Illinois on Saturday and other than the big greenhouse/nursery in Grant Park I didn’t see a single mask in any of the stores I went inside (and there it was 2 out of every 3 - maybe gardeners are more prone to believe in science). The J&J vaccine would help, but I continue to believe that some external motivations (e.g., no train/air/bus travel without proof of vaccination) is going to be needed to get to a herd immunity level in those areas.

Comment by lake county democrat Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 10:58 am
I think it’s a simple matter of “let Joe go first”.

As more people get it and there is no disaster, I think more people will get it.

Also, this is the collateral damage from the “you don’t need a mask” that was being pushed early on. That really leads some to think
“they were wrong then. They say the vaccine is safe. What if they are wrong now”?

And I got mine from my doctor’s system. Not sure where that ends up in the accounting.

Comment by Fav Human Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 11:20 am
=== Your situation has little to nothing to do with this post. How about moving on or finding a way to contribute on-topic? ===

A guy from a rural area explaining why he hasn’t gotten vaccinated yet. What am I missing?

Comment by Bad Habits Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 11:24 am
===science is===

… factually driven and alternative facts are challenged and mocked accordingly.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 11:32 am
Center for Disease Control says need 70per cent vaccinated for herd immunity. I don’t see how that ever happens. So what do we do when vaccines are readily available and those that want shots have had them? Just open everything up and let chips fall where they may? Who is interfering with whose rights then?

Comment by DuPage Saint Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 11:36 am
From what I’ve learned working in rural areas, until the local bar owner, football coach or minister starts promoting something, anything is a tough sell.

It may be oversimplifying the issue but I’ve seen this work.

Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 11:46 am
The sooner anyone gets the vaccination, the sooner that person will be out of the un-vaccinated population in which new variant strains can develop.

And heading off vaccine-resistant variants the best thing we can do for our vulnerable friends and neighbors.

There’s nothing noble or gallant about declining to get vaccinated as soon as a vaccination is available.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 12:28 pm
Not achieving herd immunity will leave us in.a bad place. It will allow the virus to continue to spread which will in turn allow it to mutate. And as it does vaccines will become less effective and the virus will become more prevalent.

Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 12:31 pm
I do not doubt the data but I live in a very rural area and everyone I know is getting their shots.
But, the again, the people I know are more like me and that would thus be expected.

I do not understand why people are not actively trying to get their shots. It boggles my mind.
We need herd immunity. And those of us who do get their shots should not be held hostage by those to lazy or too stupid to get theirs.

Comment by Unconventionalwisdom Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 12:36 pm
Bad Habits at 11:24 - I am missing something too?

Comment by allknowingmasterofraccoodom Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 12:51 pm
It’d be nice to see Congressman Bost step up to serve his constituents if he can spare a few moments outside of his bunker.

Comment by Candy Dogood Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 12:57 pm
I have been downstate many times and the people have been absolutely lovely almost without fail. I wish them health and life, and hope someone can get through to many. But any trepidation is understandable. I wasn’t jumping out of my skin to take such a new vaccine either but did it anyway, trusting in science and government. Hopefully as things turn out okay more will get the vaccine.

Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 1:26 pm
Lower herd immunity may lead to a treadmill of boosters for the immunized and a growing granite orchard beside the country chapel for those that are not. A heavy price for extremism in the defense of individual liberty and “anti” nonsense.

Comment by vole Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 1:38 pm
Vaccine hesitancy has been on the lips and minds of local health department admins for a few weeks down here. The clinics have completely opened up, but no new people are seeking out the shots. It’s why Pike, Morgan, Scott, Greene, and Brown have all been sending their allocations back.

Correlation doesn’t equal causation, but West Central IL thoroughly went to Trump during the last election, and several local law enforcement officials were lax in shutting down businesses during the height of the pandemic over the summer and fall.

That being said, the local health departments have been a model for the rest of the state on running their clinics and testing sites. Gov. Pritzker has regularly mentioned Molly Peters and the Greene Co. Health Dept. for their outstanding work.

Comment by WLDS News Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 2:13 pm
I’m still optimistic that once the shots are available at your local dr’s office the hesitancy will decline. It’s a lot harder to trust facebook over the Dr. you’ve seen for years then over some government official you don’t know and may never see again. Of course the rub with that will be they’ll have to see the dr. which likely won’t be until their next check up. I know they asked the Mrs. at her check up if she wanted it.

Comment by Mason Born Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 2:44 pm
I don’t understand the people who are saying “I’ll wait until I see that it’s safe.” What in the world are you waiting for? Over 200 million doses have been administered in the U.S.

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 3:07 pm
Darwin would be proud.

Comment by Eastern Bloc Gulag Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 3:40 pm
=I don’t understand the people who are saying “I’ll wait until I see that it’s safe.”=

I think that it comes from the same mindset of Ted Nugent who won’t get the vaccine because “they” won’t tell you what’s in it. These are not serious people.

Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 3:53 pm
I’m starting to come around to the necessary of the vaccine for things like school, some health care jobs and industries, and give invectives to businesses that make vaccines mandatory for their employees(?)

Reasoning to a different rationale to want to be vaccinated now must be, seemingly, a pro-active move to have people engaged.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 3:55 pm
I spent a lot of time last night trying to obtain a second Moderna shot for Sheba. Trying to go through the pharmacy websites and my county health department website. Nothing but frustration. I bit the bullet and went to the Rock Island Public Health Department’s website. A few minutes later I had the appointment. It means I have to drive a long distance to get Sheba her shot. But she is worth it.

The aggravation of trying to get an appointment could be a contributing factor in low vaccination rates in rural areas.

The Sangamon County and Rock Island County websites to register for their mass vaccination sites are a breeze.

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 4:17 pm