Pfizer and BioNTech Vaccine Update
On Tuesday, September 28, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that they submitted their initial data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from their COVID-19 vaccine trials for children ages 5–11 years old. The trials found that the vaccine was safe, well-tolerated, and effective in the 5–11 year old age group. The dose for children ages 5–11 years old is smaller (10 micrograms) than the dose given to those 12 and older (30 micrograms).
Pfizer and BioNTech expect COVID-19 vaccine data for the next two groups, children ages 2–5 and 6 months to 2 years, later this year.
Pfizer and BioNTech formally requested authorization of their COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5–11 years old on October 7. The FDA announced in their October 1 press release that they had anticipated this request and scheduled a meeting with the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) on October 26.
Read Pfizer and BioNTech’s full press release for more information.
Upcoming FDA Meetings
The U.S Food and Drug Administration has announced two upcoming meetings with the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC). The first meeting will occur on October 14. At this meeting, the committee plans to discuss amending the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to include guidance for administering a booster dose for individuals 18 and older.
On October 15, the VRBPAC will discuss amending the EUA of Johnson and Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine for administering a booster dose for individuals 18 and older. Additionally, on October 15, the VRBPAC will hear presentations and discuss data on using a vaccine as a booster that differs from the one(s) received as the primary dose.
The FDA has moved forward with scheduling a meeting with the advisory committee on October 26 in anticipation of Pfizer requesting an amendment to their EUA. The amendment is to allow their COVID-19 vaccine to be given to children ages 5-11.
The full FDA press release can be found here.
On Wednesday, September 29, the CDC issued an urgent health advisory urging vaccination in individuals who are pregnant, recently pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or may become pregnant in the future. According to the CDC, only 31 percent of pregnant people have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Pregnant individuals face increased risks from COVID-19, including severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
The CDC health advisory strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination either before or during pregnancy because the benefits of vaccination for both pregnant persons and their fetus or infant outweigh known or potential risks.
Read CDC’s advisory for more information.
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Walk-up Vaccination Sites
 Mobile vaccination sites are located throughout Lake County. Locations and hours are posted weekly on our Facebook and Instagram page. You can register in advance at vaccinefinder.org or walk-in during the hours listed.
Arlington Heights Site Now Offers COVID-19 Vaccinations
The Illinois Department of Public Health recently announced that five of its community-based testing sites will now offer COVID-19 vaccinations. This includes the Lake County Arlington Heights site located at the Arlington Race Track on 823 Wilke Road. All three COVID-19 vaccines will be offered during operating hours to individuals ages 12 and older. You do not need an appointment when visiting state-operated sites.
Water Street Vaccination Site to Close on October 11
The Lake County Health Department is announcing the closure of the Regional Vaccination Site at 102 W. Water Street in Waukegan on October 11 2021. The final day to receive vaccinations will be October 10, 2021. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will continue to operate its community-based COVID-19 testing at this location.
Read the press release for more information
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on many aspects of our lives. Social distancing has helped keep people from getting sick but has also made many feel isolated and lonely, which can increase stress and anxiety. During Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), October 3–9, it is important to discuss and highlight mental health conditions.
Each year, 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness, and 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder. Discussing mental health should not occur during just one week or month but should be a year-round discussion. If you or someone you know is experiencing increased stress or anxiety as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or for other reasons, know that you are not alone.
Call our Crisis Care Program to speak with a counselor at (847) 377-8088 or walk in at 3002 Grand Avenue, Waukegan, if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. Crisis Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, over the phone or in-person at the Crisis Care Program office.
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and with breast cancer being the second most common cancer among women in the United States, it is important to be proactive with breast health. Routine care should not be put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have breast cancer or are receiving cancer treatment, you may be at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Be proactive with breast health by doing monthly breast self-exams and scheduling an annual clinical exam and mammogram. Eligible Lake County women can receive free breast and cervical cancer screenings through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), located at Lake County Health Department. Visit the Health Department’s Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening page for more information.
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On Friday, October 1, Merck announced that their oral antiviral medicine, molnupiravir, significantly reduces the risk of hospitalization or death for people sick with COVID-19. Results showed that the chances of hospitalization or death were cut by approximately 50 percent when molnupiravir was given within five days of COVID-19 symptom onset. Additionally, the medicine showed consistent efficacy with the COVID-19 variants.
If authorized, it will be the first of its kind to help treat mild to moderate COVID-19 cases outside of a hospital. Merck plans to seek Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) soon.
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 remains the best way to end the pandemic. If Merck’s oral pill is authorized, it will help to relieve the burden on hospitals.
- As of October 8, 2021, over 839,700 vaccine doses have been administered to Lake County residents and 407,349 residents (58.12% of the population) have been fully vaccinated.
- Over 88.7% of Lake County seniors ages 65 and older and 70.2% of those age 18-64 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
- The county is averaging 1,929 doses administered per day on a 7-day rolling average.
- As of October 8, 2021, 71,138 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 1,074 deaths.
View the Lake County, IL Coronavirus Data Hub
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 (823 Wilke Rd.), and Rockford (1321 Sandy Hollow Rd.) 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.
Public Health Navigator Program
If you or someone you know is struggling with meeting their health and other needs, the Lake County Health Department is here to help! We have two new teams of Case Managers and Community Health Workers dedicated to helping community members access and utilize the resources and support they need, including:
- COVID-19 vaccine education and sign-up
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Access to medical care
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Health education and support
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Food and medicine delivery for families in quarantine and isolation
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Transportation assistance for medical visits
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Access to food support
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Rent and utility assistance
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Mental health support
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Immigration support
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And more!
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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