Coronavirus (COVID-19) Newsletter — January 21, 2022

January 21, 2022  |  View as a webpage  |  Translate

COVID-19 Update

Updated Mask Guidance

The CDC recently updated their Types of Masks and Respirators page to note that some masks provide better protection than others. No matter what mask you choose, make sure that your mask fits snugly against your face. 

Visit the CDC page on how to Improve How Your Maks Protects You for ways to make sure your mask is working the best it can.  

  For more information about masks, visit the following pages: 

President Biden announced that Americans will be able to receive free N95 masks in the coming weeks.  We will provide more information as it becomes available. Please follow us on our social media pages (FacebookInstagramTwitter) for the most recent updates.  

What Type of Mask Should I Wear?

The above graphic is also available as a flyer

COVID-19 Boosters

It is important to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations. Getting a COVID-19 booster increases protection against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Everyone ages 12 and up is eligible for a booster if enough time has passed after receiving the initial COVID-19 vaccine dose(s). 

  • Those who received Pfizer or Moderna are eligible at least five months after the last dose of their primary series, o 
  • Those who received Johnson & Johnson are eligible at least two months after their single dose.*

More information about COVID-19 boosters can be found on the CDC's COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot page. If you are eligible for a booster, visit Vaccines.gov to schedule an appointment near you. 

*A previous COVID-19 newsletter mistakenly stated individuals who received Johnson and Johnson were eligible for a booster at least 6 months after their final dose.  

booster shot english

COVID-19 Self-Tests

self test

U.S. residents can now order four at-home COVID-19 test kits per household, free of charge. Visit COVIDtests.gov to order your test kits today! The ordering site will direct you to a USPS page where you will enter your contact information and the address you wish to receive your four tests. Orders will start to ship at the end of January. Only one order is allowed per address.

For those who have difficulty accessing the internet or need additional support placing an order, you can call 1-800-232-0233.

January Health Observances

It continues to be important to take care of all aspect of your health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Don’t put off routine care as those visits can detect problems earlier rather than later.

glaucoma

Glaucoma Awareness Month 

Did you know that glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States? Many people with glaucoma don’t know that they have it because there are no early symptoms. Getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to determine if you have it. More information can be found through the National Eye Institute. 

cervical

Cervical Health Awareness Month 

More than 14,000 women are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year even though it is preventable. Women can lower their risk for cervical cancer through regular screenings and by getting the HPV vaccine, if recommended, by your doctor. More information and resources are available through the CDC and National Cervical Cancer Coalition. 

Lake County COVID-19 Data

  • As of January 21, 2022, over 1,185,900 vaccine doses have been administered to Lake County residents and 461,801 residents (65.89% of the population) have been fully vaccinated.
  • Over 98.4% of Lake County seniors ages 65 and older and 80.8% of those age 18-64 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • The county is averaging 2,609 doses administered per day on a 7-day rolling average.
  • As of January 21, 2022, 108,137 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 1,199 deaths.

View the Lake County, IL Coronavirus Data Hub 

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 IDPH Testing Sites Page for options.  

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 through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Testing is free and open to all regardless of symptoms. These sites also provide COVID-19 vaccinations. For more information on community-based state run testing sites visit the IDPH Testing Sites Page

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. 

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: https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19.html

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.


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 
  • Access to medical care    
  • Health education and support    
  • Food and medicine delivery for families in quarantine and isolation    
  • Transportation assistance for medical visits    
  • Access to food support    
  • Rent and utility assistance    
  • Mental health support    
  • Immigration support   
  • And more!   

All services are available regardless of your insurance or immigration status. To get connected, call (847) 3778444 or email HLCommunityHelp@lakecountyil.gov. 

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

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