On Tuesday, November 2, the CDC endorsed the FDA’s authorization for emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 years old. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe and effective for this age group and was found to be 90.7% effective in preventing COVID-19. Children in this age group will receive two doses, given at least three weeks apart. The dose they will receive is one-third of the dose (10 micrograms) that is given to those ages 12 and up (30 micrograms). Additionally, smaller needles will be used.
Children may experience some side effects. Side effects are normal and a sign that the body is building protection. If you don’t experience side effects, that does not mean that the vaccine is not working. Everyone responds differently. If side effects do occur, they should go away within a few days. More information can be found on the CDC page COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens.
We appreciate the community’s patience as pediatric vaccine begins to rollout throughout the community. It may take time for some locations to offer vaccines to this new age group. We anticipate more availability in the coming weeks. It is highly recommended to schedule your child’s COVID-19 vaccine appointment ahead of time rather than walking into a location administering vaccinations to children. There is a high demand for this age group. To ensure your child gets vaccinated at a time that is convenient for you, we recommend scheduling an appointment at your preferred location.
Take the following steps to get your child vaccinated:
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Contact your child’s pediatrician or your family doctor.
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Check with your local pharmacy.
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Look for communication from your child’s school about upcoming vaccination clinics.
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Register on AllVax so that you will be notified when you can schedule an appointment through the Lake County Health Department. Limited appointments will be available at our Grand Avenue Health Center and Midlakes Health Center.
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Visit Vaccines.gov to find a provider near you that may have pediatric vaccines available.
Read the full statements from the FDA and CDC for more information about the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children ages 5-11.
Adults 65 and older are at a higher risk of developing serious symptoms from COVID-19 and from the flu. COVID-19 and the flu are caused by different viruses. It is possible to get sick with both at the same time. That is why it is important to get your COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot as soon you are able.
Getting your seasonal flu vaccine can help to protect you from potentially serious complications. The flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine can be administered at the same time.
Visit Vaccines.gov to find COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot locations near you.
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 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 Vaccines.gov or walk-in during the hours listed. will soon offer vaccinations to children aged 5-11 year old. We will keep our community updated as more information becomes available.
The holidays are fast approaching with many getting their plans in place with family and friends. It is important to celebrate safely as COVID-19 is still very present in our community. This year’s gatherings can be safer now that many are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. We encourage all that are eligible to get vaccinated as soon as they are able. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. There are additional steps people can take to have a safe and healthy holiday season.
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Delay travel until you are fully vaccinated, or wait until you get a booster shot if eligible
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If you’re not fully vaccinated, test 1-3 days before and 3-5 days after traveling
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Travel during off-peak times to avoid crowds
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Keep indoor gatherings small
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Arrange seating and other areas to allow for physical distance
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Increase air flow by opening windows and/or doors
If you or a family member is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, it is best to stay home to avoid the potential of infecting others.
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November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the disease as well as supporting those that are battling it. Lung health is important, especially now in the time of COVID-19. As a lung disease, COVID-19 can affect those that have lung cancer more severely. Visit the American Lung Association for information about Warning Signs of Lung Disease and resources.
The best way to protect yourself from severe COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Find a location near you to get vaccinated on Vaccines.gov.
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Keep yourself and your family healthy in 2022. Open enrollment began on Monday, November 1, 2021 and will run through Saturday, January 15, 2022. Below is a list of important dates to consider if enrolling in health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace,
December 15, 2021: Last day to enroll in or change plans for 2022 coverage that starts January 1, 2022.
January 1, 2022: 2022 coverage starts, if you've enrolled by December 15, 2021 and paid your first premium.
January 15, 2022: Last day to enroll in or change plans for 2022 coverage. After this date, you can enroll or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
February 1, 2022: 2022 coverage starts if you enrolled by January 15, 2022 and you've paid your first premium.
If you do not have a health care provider and are interested in receiving services from the Lake County Health Department, call 847-377-8000 to learn more.
- As of November 5, 2021, over 906,800 vaccine doses have been administered to Lake County residents and 419,319 residents (59.83% of the population) have been fully vaccinated.
- Over 92.7% of Lake County seniors ages 65 and older and 72.4% of those age 18-64 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
- The county is averaging 3,081 doses administered per day on a 7-day rolling average.
- As of November 4, 2021, 73,525 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 1,100 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: https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19.html
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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