Fayette County health officials' strides in administering the COVID-19 vaccine to its residents is drawing praise from state officials.

Fayette County Board Chairwoman Jenny Waggoner told board members the health department's work had gained Springfield officials' attention, Vandalia Radio reported.

The Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 website reported 1,087 vaccine doses had been administered at the time of the meeting with 187 people. Fayette County is currently in Phase 1B of the vaccination process, which focuses on people 65 and older, along with frontline workers and state inmates.

There are expectations the Fayette County will administer to Phase 1B for many months. The group involved represents a large part of the county population.

The county has been vigilant in getting out and the vaccine out to county workers and residents.

During the meeting, Waggoner said it felt good for the county to serve as an example to the rest of the state.