Today Governor Pritzker announced that some counties in Illinois will begin Phase 1b of COVID-19 vaccinations on January 25. Phase 1b includes adults ages 65+ and frontline essential workers.
Northern Illinois is home to more than two-thirds of the State of Illinois’ population, and Lake County and many other counties in our region will continue to focus on Phase 1a vaccinations at this time. Phase 1a includes healthcare workers and long-term care facility residents and staff. In Lake County, we anticipate being able to move into Phase 1b in February.
Our goal is to get the vaccine distributed as quickly as possible. We are partnering with many private and public entities to make this happen. We will be successful in this massive effort, but only through cooperation, partnership, and patience.
Thank you for your continued trust in our Health Department, and for all you are doing personally to protect yourselves, your families, and our communities from COVID-19.
The entire state of Illinois has been in Tier 3 mitigations since November 20. These are measures or restrictions to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Governor Pritzker announced this week that some regions are eligible to move out of Tier 3 mitigations starting today, January 15. Region 9, which includes Lake and McHenry counties, does not yet meet the metrics required to transition to a lower tier. Region 9 currently meets the testing positivity rate target and we have seen gradual decreases in our COVID-19 hospitalizations. However, our hospital bed availability (for med-surg beds) is below the 20% threshold.
Your efforts to help slow the spread of COVID-19 are making a difference! We have made great progress since the dramatic surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations began this fall. We hope to reach the state’s metrics to enter Tier 2 mitigation in the coming weeks, and will keep you informed. Please help us get there by following the 3 Ws – Wear a mask, Wash your hands, Watch your distance – and stay home as much as you can.
We continue to vaccinate Phase 1a, which includes healthcare workers and long-term care facility residents. We know many in Lake County are eager to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Due to the high volume of inquiries, we may take longer to get back to you than normal and will respond as soon as we are able. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about registering in AllVax, vaccine safety, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: I registered in AllVax and haven’t received my email yet to schedule an appointment. When will I get an email?
Answer: Three things have to happen for a person to receive an email from AllVax to set up their appointment:
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The registered person must be currently eligible to get the vaccine (they meet the requirements of the current phase of vaccinations);
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The Health Department receives a supply of vaccine; and
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Appointment times are available.
The AllVax system does not email everyone who is eligible at the same time. This is to avoid the frustrating situation where you might get an email to schedule, log in, and all appointments are already taken. For example, there might be 30,000 people currently eligible, but the Health Department receives a shipment of 1,200 doses. The AllVax system may notify the next 1,500 people who are eligible to allow them to schedule, and then notify more people if appointments do not fill up.
Question: Can an exception be made so that I (or my family member) can get vaccinated sooner?
Answer: No. We understand that many people are eager to get the COVID-19 vaccine and are concerned for their own health and the health of their loved ones. We are following the guidelines set in place by the CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health. We are not making exceptions to the vaccination phases. Be assured, everyone who wants a vaccine will be able to get one, but this process will take time. Remember that while we wait for the vaccine, we still have the power to protect ourselves and our families from COVID-19. Consistently follow the 3 Ws – Wear a mask, Wash your hands, and Watch your distance – to keep yourself and those you love safe.
Question: Why is getting the COVID-19 vaccine important?
Answer: The COVID-19 vaccine works by helping your body build protection against the virus. Getting the vaccine will help keep you, your family, and your community healthy and safe. The more people that choose to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the more protection our communities will have. Until herd immunity is reached, which could take several months or even longer than a year, it is important to protect yourself and others by continuing to follow the 3 Ws: Wear a mask, Wash your hands, and Watch your distance. Check out the CDC’s page about the Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine.
Question: Why can’t I receive my vaccine yet?
Answer: Our vaccine supply is very limited. We expect supply to increase over the coming weeks and months, so our Health Department is working to build a network of local providers to give vaccinations. As supply increases and more providers are set up to administer vaccines, the number of people getting vaccinated will increase.
Question: Why do I need the vaccine if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Answer: Right now it’s unclear how long immunity for COVID-19 lasts after you have been sick. We do know that immunity from having the virus decreases over time, especially for mild cases. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 again.
Many of our daily activities, such as exercising, school, and work are now conducted within our homes. The quality of the air inside our homes is more important than ever. It is estimated that 1 in 15 American homes have high levels of radon. Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer. The Health Department urges residents to check their homes radon levels during the winter months when the levels are the highest. Ensure the safety of the air within your home and test for radon.
The Health Department offers short-term testing kits for $10.00, available at 500 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville, or for $13.00 by mail. The cost includes return postage, laboratory analysis and interpretation by Health Department staff. Test kits are also available from area hardware and building supply stores. If test results reveal elevated levels of radon in your home, contact a radon professional to evaluate and fix the problem.
Learn more
On Wednesday, January 13, Lake County held a live COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall. Hosted by Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, our Executive Director Mark Pfister and Medical Epidemiologist Dr. Sana Ahmed answered questions from the public about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Lake County COVID-19 Cases
As of January 15, 2021, 49,343 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 808 deaths.
Our Coronavirus Data Hub provides data and resources for our county, including cases and deaths, tests performed, demographic data, and an interactive map and charts.
View the Lake County, IL Coronavirus Data Hub
Note: The Data Hub will not be updated on Monday, January 18.
Do you have questions? The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has established a COVID-19 hotline and email address to answer questions from the public:
For additional information from the IDPH, visit: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
Community Guidance and Resources
Protect yourself and your community. Our Information for Specific Groups page is now Community Guidance and Resources. This page is more user-friendly and has information to help residents stay safe and informed.
Communication Resources
We need your help to keep our communities healthy and safe. The Lake County Health Department, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer free resources including fact sheets, flyers, posters, and videos.
View communication resources
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