In Illinois, approximately 105 cases with the Delta variant were identified (COVID-19 Variants of Concern). The Delta variant is projected to become the most dominant variant in the next few months. The Delta variant has shown to be more contagious and spread more quickly than previous COVID-19 variants. Our last newsletter mistakenly stated that there are no reported cases of COVID-19 Delta variant in Lake County; but there have been some cases of Delta variant among Lake County residents since the end of April 2021.

To stop the spread of COVID-19, we encourage all that are eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Now is not the time to let your guard down. At indoor events, unvaccinated individuals should continue to take precautions and wear masks. Some vaccinated individuals, especially those who have weakened immune systems, may consider wearing a mask in large crowds as the Delta variant becomes more prevalent.

The COVID-19 vaccines:

• Are safe and effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death.
• Reduce the risk of people spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.

Visit the CDC page Key Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines and Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine for more information.

To learn more about COVID-19 variants, visit the CDC page SARS-CoV-2 Variant Classifications and Definitions.

The CDC continuously monitors the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines. There have been recent reports of inflammation of the heart or its outer lining—called myocarditis or pericarditis—in adolescent males age 16 years old and older after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination (i.e., Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna). Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart and pericarditis is inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart. Both conditions may cause shortness of breath and chest pressure. Many who have had this condition have responded well to treatment and recovered.

Since April 2021, there have been over a thousand reports of myocarditis and pericarditis to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). These reports are extremely rare when compared to over 177 million people having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the United States.

The CDC emphasizes that the risk of not getting vaccinated against COVID-19 far outweighs the risks of the COVID-19 vaccines. They recommend everyone age 12 years old and older get vaccinated against COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and those you love. Visit the AllVax Find a Vaccine page to find a COVID-19 vaccination location near you.   

More information about Myocarditis and Pericarditis can be found on the CDC page Myocarditis and Pericarditis Following mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination.

1 in 10 people has not yet gotten their second dose in the two-dose COVID-19 vaccines series. Getting both shots in a two-dose series provides the most protection against COVID-19.

Both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines require two doses. The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine only requires one dose. 

The timing between your first and second shots depends on which vaccine you received for your first dose:

• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, you should get your second shot 3 weeks (or 21 days) after your first.
• Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you should get your second shot 4 weeks (or 28 days) after your first.

You should get your second dose as close to the recommended interval as possible. However, the second dose can be given up to 6 weeks (42 days) after the first dose.  

Side effects from the vaccine vary from person to person. Some may feel no side effects at all. Possible side effects include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Flu-like symptoms such as muscle pain, fever, chills, and nausea

These side effects are normal and a sign that your body is building protection. These side effects should go away within a few days. Lack of side effects, however, does not mean that the vaccine is not working. Visit the CDC page Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine for more information. For more information about the two-dose COVID-19 vaccines, visit the CDC page COVID-19 Vaccines That Require 2 Shots.

Four of the nation's largest child care providers are offering free child care to all parents and caregivers through July 4. Childcare will be provided to those getting vaccinated or recovering from the vaccination. The providers near you may include:

• KinderCare
• Learning Care Group
• YMCA
• Bright Horizons

Additional information can be found on Childcare.gov.

The vaccine is free for everyone. Find a vaccination site near you by visiting allvax.lakecohealth.org or you can text your zip code to 438829. You will receive a list of sites near you. The reply will also ask you if you need free child care. If you reply with “care”, you will receive information on free child care near you.

As a parent or caregiver, you want to keep your children safe. Routine childhood vaccinations are an important way to ensure that your child and community remain healthy and protected against serious diseases, like measles and whooping cough.

As opportunities for in-person activities and play increase, we encourage parents to make sure children are up to date on routinely recommended vaccines. Well-child visits and check-ups are essential for routine vaccination, even during the pandemic. If you have questions about vaccines, talk to your child’s healthcare provider.

You can also review the 2021 easy-to-read immunization schedule recommended by the CDC. If you’re pregnant, now is a great time to find a doctor for your baby and schedule a visit to discuss any questions you have about vaccines.

For more information, visit the CDC page about Well-Child Visits and Recommended Vaccinations. If your child is age 12-18 read more about COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens.