FDA Approved Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
On January 31, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. It is the second COVID-19 vaccine to be approved by the FDA. The Moderna vaccine, as it has been known, will be marketed as Spikevax. The Moderna vaccine became available under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in December 2020 for those ages 18 and older.
Pfizer and BioNTech Apply for Authorization for COVID-19 Vaccine
On Tuesday, February 1, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that they requested emergency use authorization (EUA) for their COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months through 4 years. The submission came at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because of the urgent public health need for this certain population. Pfizer is requesting authorization for the first two doses of a planned three dose primary series. Information about adding a third dose will be available in the coming months.
The Federal Government is working to distribute 400 million high filtration masks to pharmacies throughout the United States. Each person is allowed up to three masks. Masks are free to community members at participating pharmacies while supplies last. Additional high-quality masks for children are expected to be distributed in the future.
Community members can also pick up free KN95s from the following Lake County Health Department locations during regular hours:
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Belvidere Medical Building– 2400 Belvidere Road, Waukegan
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Grand Avenue Health Center – 3010 Grand Avenue, Waukegan
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Midlakes Health Center – 224 W. Clarendon Drive, Round Lake Beach
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Zion Health Center – 1911 27th Street, Zion
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North Shore Health Center – 1840 Green Bay Road, Highland Park (starting on Monday, February 7)
Visit the CDC page Your Guide to Masks for more information about wearing a mask with the best fit, protection, and comfort for you.
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Having COVID-19 tests on hand can be useful if you have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
The Illinois Department of Public Health recently announced that households in zip codes 60085 and 60064 are now eligible to receive five additional COVID-19 test kits. Supplies are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Residents in these qualifying zip codes can order their additional test kits through Project ACT.
In January 2022, each household in the United States became eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests will be delivered by the United States Postal Service. Visit COVIDtests.gov or call 1(800) 232-0233 to order your households four tests today.
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Throughout the pandemic, 211 has been a lifeline for so many people who found themselves in crisis. Whether you lost your job or you’re experiencing a financial or emotional hardship, you don’t have to go through it alone. The 211 team is here to help.
211 is an easy to remember, three-digit number that connects people to expert, caring help. From food assistance and help paying bills to health care answers and mental health resources, 211 can be a guiding light. The one-stop helpline accesses a database of more than 1,500 health and human service organizations serving our community, as well as federal, state and local aid. Since its launch in 2019, 211 has made more than 125,000 connections from every zip code in Lake County.
211 is multilingual with English and Spanish speaking staff and supports more than 150 languages. 211 is always open, always confidential, and always free. If you’re going through a rough time and don’t know where to turn, there’s help. Call 211, text your zip code to 898211 or visit 211LakeCounty.org to get connected.
- As of February 4, 2022, over 1,213,800 vaccine doses have been administered to Lake County residents and 467,092 residents (66.65% of the population) have been fully vaccinated.
- Over 98.7% of Lake County seniors ages 65 and older and 81.7% of those age 18-64 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
- The county is averaging 1,832 doses administered per day on a 7-day rolling average.
- As of February 4, 2022, 116,822 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 1,245 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?
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.
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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