Nearly 5 million Illinoisans now fully vaccinated, latest daily shot tally highest in nearly a month

Just shy of 5 million Illinois residents are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, about 39% of the population, public health officials said Friday.

The state approached its latest inoculation benchmark Thursday as vaccine providers collectively reported their most productive day since April 23 with 126,023 shots going into arms statewide, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

A total of 4,995,694 residents are two weeks removed from their final vaccine dose, and with Illinois averaging almost 77,000 vaccinations per day over the past week, the state headed into the weekend poised to officially cross the 5 million threshold.

Nearly 10.8 million coronavirus vaccinations have been performed over the past five months — an average of roughly 48 shots every minute.

Almost two-thirds of all adults have gotten at least one shot, and 47% of adults are fully covered. Chicago’s regional figures are about the same.

The state’s daily vaccination rate has ticked up slightly this week, but it’s still down 42% overall compared to mid-April.

Chicago Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady urged more residents to roll up their sleeves at one of the city’s latest vaccination events at Theater Wit in the Lake View neighborhood.

“COVID-19 vaccines are hands down the best tool we have to protect Chicagoans against this deadly virus. We are excited about plans to reopen Chicago safely this summer so we can get back to the live performances and cultural events that make Chicago a world-class city,” Arwady said. “Get your vaccine today so you can safely enjoy arts and culture this summer.”

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As vaccination rates inch up, infection rates are nearing all-time lows.

The state reported 1,573 new cases were diagnosed among 73,099 tests, keeping Illinois’ average seven-day positivity rate at a nine-week low of 2.2%.

Hospitals across the state were treating 1,488 COVID-19 patients Thursday night, the fewest since the start of April and a 31% decrease compared to three weeks ago.

But the virus claimed another 21 lives, including a Will County man in his 30s. The state’s pandemic death toll is up to 22,556.

For more help finding a vaccine appointment in Chicago visit zocdoc.com or call (312) 746-4835. The city is also performing in-home vaccinations by request for any resident 65 or older, as well as those who have a disability or serious health condition.

For suburban Cook County sites, visit vaccine.cookcountyil.gov or call (833) 308-1988.

To find providers elsewhere, visit coronavirus.illinois.gov or call (833) 621-1284.