Coronavirus (COVID-19) Newsletter — May 7, 2021

May 07, 2021  |  View as a webpage  |  Translate

COVID-19 Update

Dear Residents,

We reached an important milestone last week as we administered our 100,000th dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at our Lake County Health Department operated vaccination sites. As of May 7, 218,020 Lake County residents have been fully vaccinated. Let’s keep the momentum going! The sooner we are vaccinated, the faster we can get our lives back.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to authorize the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for ages 12-15 next week. This is important because new COVID-19 infections are on the rise in our younger residents. In particular, rates among those ages 14-18 recently doubled in Lake County. COVID-19 vaccinations are an effective way for us to slow the spread of the virus. We will share more details soon.

Enjoy the weekend and Happy Mother’s Day!

VaxFacts
  • As of April 30, over 507,700 vaccine doses have been administered to Lake County residents and 218,020 residents (31.11% of the population) have been fully vaccinated. Over 79.8% of Lake County seniors ages 65 and older and 49.3% of those age 16-64 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The county is averaging 4,273 doses administered per day on a 7-day rolling average.
  • Walk-in service is now available at the Lake County Fairgrounds and our Regional Vaccination Site at 102 W. Water Street, Waukegan. If you have not yet been vaccinated, please do so as soon as you can. We provide the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost and do not bill health insurance. All you have to do is show up! Spread the word and bring a family member, friend, or neighbor with you. For more details, visit our Find a Vaccine page.
  • Community members seeking the Johnson & Johnson vaccine can call our AllVax support team at (847) 377-8130 for an appointment at one of our Community Health Centers in Waukegan, Zion, Highland Park, or Round Lake.
  • Many partner sites have walk-ins available and thousands of appointments are open at sites run by our partners located in Deerfield, Grayslake, Round Lake, Waukegan, and Zion. Details are updated regularly on our website, Find a Vaccine. Vaccines are free to all regardless of insurance or immigration status.

May is Mental Health Month

The pandemic has brought challenges that may lead to increased stress and anxiety. We are encouraging all residents, young and old, to take some time to check in with their mental health this month and with those they love. Throughout the month we will be sharing resources and reminders about the importance of taking care of your mental health.

Children’s Mental Health Week 

mental health play button

This week is Children's Mental Health Awareness Week. Young people have been under increased stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in learning environments, fewer ways to see friends, and more have led many children to feel increased anxiety and depression.  

If your child is struggling with their mental health, know that help is available. Check out the video our Child and Behavioral Services (CABS) made about the importance of children’s mental health. Make sure to visit our Facebook page and check out our Mindful Minute playlist!  

Learn more about our CABS program here or contact them at 847-377-8950. Visit the CDC website Coping with Stress or Mental Health America to learn more and for resources to share. 

Art Impact Project Exhibit on Display at Lake County  Government

AI Image

Lake County Government, in partnership with Art Impact Project, is pleased to announce an Art in Public Places exhibit entitled "Making Impact: How Art Enhances Emotional Wellness". On display through the end of June, this exhibit features artwork created by adolescents and adults, who have benefited from Art Impact Project’s supportive group programming. 

"Art Impact Project is proud to support Mental Health Awareness Month this May, and we thank our partners who are dedicated to improving the lives of so many in our community, every day," said Beth McKenna, one of the show’s curators. 

The Art Impact Project exhibit will be on display in the main lobby of the Lake County administration building located at 18 N. County Street, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm. The exhibit is free and open to the public with free 2-hour parking available in the county's main parking garage. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks and social distancing guidelines are currently required for all who enter Lake County government buildings.

To learn more about Lake County's Art in Public Places program, visit lakecountyil.gov/art. To learn more about Art Impact Project, please visit artimpactproject.org. 

New Walk-In Vaccinations

Vaccine Update

Getting your COVID-19 vaccine has never been easierWe now have
walk-in hours available at the Lake County Fairgrounds and several other vaccination sites.
Ages 16+. Locations, days, times, and vaccines administered are as follows (NOTE - sites are closed for Mother's Day!):

Former K-Mart Supercenter (Pfizer)
400 E. Rollins Rd., Round Lake Beach
Tuesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(CLOSED Sunday 5/9 for Mother's Day)

Lake County Fairgrounds
(Pfizer and Moderna - choice between
these two is not provided for first doses)
(Johnson & Johnson is available by request at this location)

1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake
5/7–5/8: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(CLOSED Sunday 5/9 for Mother's Day)
5/10: 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.
5/12: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
5/14: 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.
5/15: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Regional Vaccination Site (Pfizer)
102 W. Water St., Waukegan
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(CLOSED Sunday 5/9 for Mother's Day)

Zion Community Clinic's (Pfizer)
1634 23rd St., Zion
Mondays and Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

3363 Sheridan Rd., Zion
Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

If you would rather schedule an appointment, please register in AllVax and schedule an appointment today! Visit our Find a Vaccine page for more information and additional vaccination locations. Please note that minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Vaccine supply may change, and Pfizer vaccine is only guaranteed for those ages 16-17. All three vaccines authorized in the United States are incredibly safe and effective.

Read the full press release.

New COVID-19 Vaccine Authorization

It was announced earlier this week that the U.S. Food and Drug  Administration (FDA) is expected to authorize the Pfizer-BioNTech
COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 12 to 15.
 In early April, Pfizer-BioNTech requested an amendment to the current Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for their COVID-19 vaccine. The data from the trials indicates 100% efficacy. Getting younger individuals vaccinated is an important step in moving our community toward a healthier future. It is better to prevent a disease rather than to treat it after it occurs.  

For more information about childhood vaccinations, visit the CDC page about why childhood vaccines are important. 

Vaccination Milestone in Lake County

100,000 dose with people

On Friday, April 30, the Lake County Health Department administered its 100,000 vaccination at Health Department run mass vaccination sites! Tom Kwasiborski, a retired pharmacist and Medical Reserve Corps volunteer, administered the 100,000 dose to Moises Martinez of Round Lake Beach at the Lake County Fairgrounds this afternoon. Thank you to all the amazing volunteers, staff, and community partners who have helped make this possible.  

COVID-19 and Pregnancy

Those who are pregnant are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. It is especially important for pregnant people and those around them to take precautions to avoid getting sick with COVID-19. One of the ways to reduce your risk is to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, all three COVID-19 vaccines are authorized for pregnant women. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.  

For breastfeeding people, more data is needed, but preliminary reports show that those who have received the COVID-19 vaccine have antibodies in their milk which could help protect their babies.  

Those that would like to become pregnant now or in the future can receive the COVID-19 vaccine as well. There is no evidence that the vaccines cause fertility problems.  

More information about COVID-19 and pregnancy can be found on the CDC page, Pregnant People. For information about the COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy, visit the CDC page, Information about COVID-19 Vaccines for People who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding. 

Celebrating Lake County Mothers

flowers

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 9 and mothers more than ever deserve to be celebrated. We applaud all that have kept their families safe during such a trying and chaotic time. Navigating through this pandemic has been more than challenging. We encourage all families to continue to practice the 3Ws – wear masks, wash hands, watch your distance and for eligible family members to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

For ideas on how to celebrate Mother's Day safely this year, visit the CDC page Holiday Tips.   

COVID-19 Testing

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?   

Contact your doctor to ask about testing availability, or check the Lake County Testing Site Locator for options.   

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. 

If you were recently tested at a mobile COVID-19 testing site and you have not been contacted within 7 days, please call 888-297-7208 or visit https://idph-mychart.pchosted.com/idph/Authentication/Login. 

Lake County COVID-19 Cases

As of May 07, 2021, 60,254 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 974 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 

3 Ws Graphic - Lake County Health Department - English

Who to Contact if You Have Questions

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

COVID-19 Resources

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.

Get Involved

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.

Useful Links

Forwarded this email? Sign up to receive COVID-19 updates directly from the Lake County Health Department.