ROCKFORD (WREX) — On Wednesday, we learned if you're a smoker or have a disability, you may need to update your vaccine registration on the Winnebago County Health Department's website.
Exactly one week ago, the state launched Phase 1B+, which opened vaccinations to those with disabilities and a dozen conditions, including, but not limited to, diabetes, heart conditions, and obesity. While you might have answered questions about your medical history when you first registered on the county's website, Winnebago County's Public Health Administrator Dr. Sandra Martell said at Wednesday's news conference you may need to update your status.
"Now, we've introduced Phase 1B+, which included individuals with a smoking history and individuals who met conditions associated with the Americans with Disabilities Act," Martell explained. "Individuals who need to update their registration regarding disability-status or smoking can go to the website for the link."
Martell reminded that you must use the same name and phone number if you edit your information to include smoking or a disability because that information is unique to you.
That link to update your medical information went live Wednesday afternoon and can be found on the health department's website.
So, 13 News talked to a disability advocate with RAMP about why it's important for people with disabilities to be prioritized.
Eric Brown, RAMP's education and advocacy coordinator, has cerebral palsy. Like many Illinoisans, Brown is classified with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
"You may see someone who looks like they're perfectly fine, non-disabled, no need to be prioritized, but they may have some disability that doesn't present itself in a physical way," Brown reminded.
Per the state through Phase 1B+, he, and others, are now eligible for the vaccine under the new guidelines.
But if you fall into this group, and you registered to get a vaccine in Winnebago County, you may need to update your information.
On the health department's homepage, you're going to see some small red font that says if have a disability click here. After that, you'll see two questions, one if you're a smoker and other is if you have a disability.
Once you answer those truthfully, you're done.
"I would hope that people who are most in need, or who view themselves as having a disability, are the ones who are going in and registering or updating their registration," Brown said when asked about concerns people will use this to jump in line.
Brown stressed it's important for the disability community to be prioritized because often times there are conditions that create greater risk factors.
"People with disabilities face a lot of different things in the community and have different experiences than even someone else with the exact same diagnosis," Brown explained.
But while prioritization doesn't mean immediate access, it does give those with disabilities a chance to make informed decisions.
Brown says if you have a disability, or a question, he's happy to help you, just call RAMP's number (815) 968-7467.
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March 05, 2021 at 11:47AM
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Smokers, those with disabilities in Winnebago Co. need to update vaccine registration - WREX-TV
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