April 5-11, 2021
From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our seniors have been at higher risk of severe illness. We are dedicating this week to ensuring all seniors can get the COVID-19 vaccine. Our seniors are an important part of our community and we all have a responsibility to help them stay healthy.
Check out the Seniors Week video:
Some seniors face unique challenges, such as transportation and technology barriers, that can make accessing the COVID-19 vaccine difficult. Our whole community can help break down those barriers. We encourage the Lake County community to reach out to those around them and offer support to a senior this week.
Throughout the week we will be sharing a wealth of information on our social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter). Check in each day for resources and events.
Read the Senior Week Press release here.
There are many ways you can get involved during Lake County Seniors Week:
Wednesday, April 7 – Join the Conversation
There will be three opportunities to hear discussions about the COVID-19 vaccinations throughout the day. The radio stations and schedule are as follows:
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12:00 p.m. – Tune into TUDN Radio 1220 AM (or listen online) for a Spanish language discussion on COVID-19 vaccinations with host Jorge Trujillo. Call in with your questions at (847) 244-1220.
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3:00 p.m. – Join us on the 102.3 WXLC Facebook page for a livestream discussion with mid-day host Frank Wright on COVID-19 vaccines and getting involved during Seniors Week. Geared toward younger adults – submit your questions in the comments.
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5:30 p.m. – Tune in to WGN Radio 720 AM (or listen online) as Executive Director Mark Pfister discusses senior vaccinations with Chicago’s Afternoon News host Steve Bertrand. Join the conversation with your questions by calling or texting (312) 981-7200.
Thursday, April 8 at 1:30 p.m. – Ask a Doc on Facebook LIVE
Join Medical Director Dr. Les Zun for a Facebook LIVE discussion on the importance of vaccinations for seniors and their families, the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine side effects, how to discuss vaccinations with your loved ones, and more. Bring your questions and get answers. Join us on our Lake County Health Department Facebook page to listen in and ask your questions!
Throughout the Week
This week is a great time to check in with the seniors that you love and see if they have a plan to get vaccinated. You can do this by:
- Helping a senior register in AllVax.
- Assisting a senior with scheduling an appointment.
- Offering to drive a senior to an appointment.
- Sharing vaccine information, like why it’s important to get vaccinated, with the people you love.
If you have other ideas to encourage seniors to get vaccinated this week, share them on social media along with #LCSeniorsWeek! By working together we can help our community get vaccinated and stay healthy.
Follow the Health Department on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for #LCSeniorsWeek content, including behind-the-scenes on the community effort to bring vaccines to homebound and hard-to-reach seniors, mass vaccination sites around the county, and to hear from Lake County residents sharing the reasons why they are choosing to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Everyone’s reason for getting the COVID-19 vaccine is personal and unique. During Senior’s Week we want to know your reason why. Is a senior you love part of your decision to get vaccinated? Are you a senior who looks forward to spending more time with your family? Whatever your reason, let us know by responding to this email or messaging us on Facebook or Instagram.
We will be sharing them on social throughout the week and your reason might be featured!
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All Lake County Seniors can Schedule Their Vaccine Appointment!
All of our AllVax registrants age 65+ with a Lake County ZIP code are now eligible to schedule their vaccination appointment at a Lake County vaccination site. Check your email inbox (and your spam folder) or log into AllVax to schedule an appointment.
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Unsure where to start? Check out this printable flyer on the four ways you can receive your COVID-19 vaccination. If you need any assistance, please email AllVax support at allvax@lakecountyil.gov or call (847) 377-8130.
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The CDC has a great page dedicated to What Older Adults Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines. Within this page, you will find useful information about how to get the vaccine, safety and efficacy, common side effects, and what providers can and cannot do. You can also learn more about what you can do after becoming fully vaccinated. This page is a great resource offering an overview of commonly sought-after information.
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Phone support for registering and making appointments in AllVax
The Health Department provides support for COVID-19 vaccine registration through its AllVax Support team, Mondays-Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by phone at (847) 377-8130, and by email at AllVax@lakecountyil.gov. During special senior hours, additional volunteers are available to take calls to assist seniors in registering and finding an appointment:
- Tuesdays: Noon to 3 p.m.
- Thursdays: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Fridays: Noon to 3 p.m.
During the hours listed above, seniors calling (847) 377-8130 can select option 1 to be routed to a volunteer. If you leave a voicemail, a staff member or volunteer will call you back.
Registering in AllVax
If you haven’t already registered in AllVax, this is a great time to do so. You can create an account by registering yourself with an email, full name and your date of birth. Click here to start the process. You can also watch this video on how to create an account. If you have already registered, check in with 5 friends or family members to see if they are registered too. Remember, it is okay to register someone else if they give you their consent. For more information on how to register, visit the AllVax Frequently Asked Questions page.
Vaccinations for Homebound Seniors
Our partner mobile units bringing vaccinations to hard-to-reach communities and home-bound seniors will be among providers receiving our Johnson & Johnson supply. If you or a household member are physically unable to leave home to be vaccinated, please contact our support team at (847) 377-8130 for help. If you have an appointment scheduled but need help finding transportation, please call 211 to learn about resources in your area.
Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help finding food, shelter, transportation to vaccine appointments, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, call 211 or TEXT your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. To receive general COVID-19 information via text message, text "COVID19" to 211211. For more information, visit 211lakecounty.org.
Explore Options to Lower Your Property Tax
All senior citizens age 65 and over who own and live in their Lake County residence are eligible to apply for the Senior Homestead Exemption. This exemption lowers the equalized assessed value of your property by $5,000, and may be claimed in addition to the General Homestead exemption. You only need to apply for this exemption one time, and it will renew automatically each year. Learn more
Additionally, seniors age 65 and older with a total household income of $65,000 or less are encouraged to apply for the Senior Citizen’s Assessment Freeze. To qualify, you must have owned and occupied your home as your principal residence on Jan. 1 2020 and 2021. This exemption does NOT renew automatically—you must reapply each year. Applications are due by July 31, 2021. Learn more
You may apply for either of the above exemptions online by logging into or creating an account on the Lake County Assessor’s Smartfile E-filing Portal.
If you have questions about whether you qualify for the exemptions or need assistance in applying for them, contact the Lake County Assessor’s Office at 847-377-2050 or email them at assessor@lakecountyi.gov. You may also call or visit your local township assessor’s office.
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As you get older, your risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases. The greatest risk for severe illness from COVID-19 is among those age 85 or older. Remember, anyone can get and spread COVID-19 to others. Taking precautions in your daily life is important, especially for those at increased risk. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is an important way to reduce your risk of severe illness or hospitalization. Learn more on the CDC’s page about Older Adults.
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People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or 2 weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson). Fully vaccinated people can visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing.
It is still encouraged to continue to avoid medium and large in-person gatherings. Fully vaccinated people may also visit with unvaccinated people from a single household, indoors, if they are at a low risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms. Masks and social distancing are not required in that situation.
Fully vaccinated people should continue to take precautions in public by follow the 3 Ws – Wear a mask, Wash your hands, and Watch your distance.
For full guidance details, visit the CDC’s page Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People.
What if I am getting another vaccine (Shingles, flu etc). Can I still get a COVID vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccines should be spaced at least 14 days apart from other vaccinations. Please do not schedule an appointment within 14 days of receiving another vaccine. Talk with your healthcare provider for more information.
I already had COVID-19 and recovered. Do I still need to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. Right now it’s unknown 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.
Visit the AllVax Frequently Asked Questions page for more answers to common questions.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has it, getting tested can help you know what steps to take to keep your loved ones safe.
Where can I get tested?
State-run Community-Based Testing Sites located in Waukegan (102 W. Water St.), Arlington Heights (2000 W Euclid Ave.), and Rockford (1601 Parkview Ave.) are open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Testing is free and open to all regardless of symptoms. These sites have drive-through testing, as well as walk-up testing for those who do not have a vehicle or need to use public transportation. Please note, you are not permitted to exit your car to use the walk-up line once you arrive.
Know Before You Go
A phone number and name are required in order to receive testing results. Photo identification and proof of insurance are helpful, but not required. High demand for testing may result in long wait times. Testing locations may close early due to inclement weather or if daily testing supplies are exhausted. Additional COVID-19 testing locations and information can be found at the IDPH website.
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
Lake County AllVax Portal Resources
Visit our AllVax Frequently Asked Questions page to find answers and information about the COVID-19 vaccine in Lake County. Encourage members of the community to register in AllVax utilizing resources from the AllVax Portal Toolkit, including social media messages, guides, print materials, and more.
Community Guidance and Resources
Protect yourself and your community. Our Community Guidance and Resources page has information to help residents stay safe and informed. Specific group information can be found for:
- Businesses and employers
- Communities and faith-based organizations
- First responders and law enforcement
- Healthcare providers and hospitals
- Schools and childcare programs
- Travelers
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 communication resources including fact sheets, flyers, posters, and videos.
Join the Medical Reserve Corps
The Lake County Health Department is in need of volunteers with a valid medical license to fill roles as vaccinators, vaccine mixers, and wellness check observers at our mass vaccination sites. Visit our Lake County Medical Reserve Corps page to learn more.
Become a Community Health Ambassador
Community Health Ambassadors play a key role in helping our community members get vaccinated by sharing resources, answering FAQs, and encouraging community members to register on AllVax. Visit the Community Health Ambassador page for more information and to register.
Additional Ways to Help
Visit Lake County Health Departments How You Can Help page to find additional opportunities to donate or volunteer.
Forwarded this email? Sign up to receive COVID-19 updates directly from the Lake County Health Department.
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