 On February 11, the FDA announced that they were postponing their previously scheduled meeting regarding Pfizer and BioNTech’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) request for the use of their COVID-19 vaccine in children ages six months to five years old. Pfizer and BioNTech would like more time to go over additional data and include information about a third dose.
The original EUA was a rolling submission requesting authorization of the first two doses. Pfizer and BioNTech were then planning to submit additional data about the third dose in the following weeks.
Read the full press release for more information.
The CDC recently released a new Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) that found expectant mothers who get vaccinated against COVID-19 can pass on a certain level of protection to their unborn babies. Babies younger than six months old were found to be about 60% less likely to be hospitalized if they contracted COVID-19. The study found that completing a two-dose mRNA series later in pregnancy provided the most protection.
It is recommended that those who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should get the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to reach out to your healthcare provider. Visit the CDC for more information about COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding.
View the full MMWR.
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High filtration masks continue to be distributed to pharmacies throughout the United States. Each person is allowed up to three masks and are for 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 pick up free KN95s from the following Lake County Health Department locations during regular hours:
- Belvidere Medical Building– 2400 Belvidere Road, Waukegan
- Grand Avenue Health Center – 3010 Grand Avenue, Waukegan
- Midlakes Health Center – 224 W. Clarendon Drive, Round Lake Beach
- Zion Health Center – 1911 27th Street, Zion
- North Shore Health Center – 1840 Green Bay Road, Highland Park
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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 Governor Pritzker announced that effective Monday, February 28, Illinois is expected to lift the statewide mask mandate. The mask mandate will lift for many indoor settings except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
Masks will continue to be required on public transit and in high-risk settings such as healthcare facilities and congregate care as federally mandated. Masks will also need to be worn in daycare settings.
The decision to lift the mandate is due to a fast decrease in statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations. Even though they will no longer be required in many indoor locations, they are still highly recommended especially when a community is experiencing substantial or high transmission, and in crowded indoor spaces.
Read the full press release for more information.
 As we have often seen throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, guidance is modified based on science and data. The Lake County Health Department is currently collecting data through our own county-wide Community Health Survey. This survey gives insight into how the community’s health is currently and how it can be improved. The results will help guide future planning, creating priorities and strategies for achieving the highest level of health and wellness for all in Lake County. Take the survey and find more information at lakecountyil.gov/yourvoice.
- As of February 18, 2022, over 1,231,300 vaccine doses have been administered to Lake County residents and 472,744 residents (67.45% of the population) have been fully vaccinated.
- Over 98.8% of Lake County seniors ages 65 and older and 82% of those age 18-64 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
- The county is averaging 992 doses administered per day on a 7-day rolling average.
- As of February 18, 2022, 120,664 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 1,296 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 Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 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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