Illinois orders vaccine shipped to National Stockpile site to limit delays caused by weather

To offset predicted delays, the state of Illinois ordered COVID-19 vaccines to be delivered to its Strategic National Stockpile Receipt, Store, and Stage site, from which it will continue to distribute the vaccine to providers across the state, according to a news release.

The federal government notified all states that planned vaccine shipments may be delayed due to adverse weather and road conditions, according to the state’s release. To help offset those delays, the state asked that vaccines pre-stationed in Illinois be delivered the stockpile site so it would not be subject to delays affecting other parts of the country.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Operation Warp Speed projected that bad weather will affect operations at its partner and carrier facilities, which is where vaccines and ancillary supply kits originate, according to the release.

The agencies advised that deliveries planned for Tuesday will be “significantly impacted by adverse weather occurring across the U.S.,” and impacts could continue through the week, according to the release.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has been in close communication with local health department and other providers regarding the potential delays, including through webinars, weather situational updates and a rapid electronic notification, according to the release.