Pfizer-BioNTech
On Tuesday, March 15, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that they applied to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for an additional booster dose for adults ages 65 and older. Adults ages 65 and older are eligible for a second booster if they have already received an initial booster dose from any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccines.
The submitted data is based on real-world safety and efficacy data from Israel. The results of the data showed that the rate of infection was two times lower, and the rate of severe illness was four times lower after receiving a second booster at least four months after the initial booster dose.
Moderna
On Thursday, March 17, Moderna announced that they have requested an amendment to their EUA from the FDA. Moderna is looking to authorize an additional booster for adults 18 and older who have received an initial booster from any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccines. The length of time between doses was not mentioned. More information will be available in the future.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine offers the best protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Getting vaccinated even if you have had COVID-19 will provide added protection. Those that get vaccinated after recovering are less likely to get reinfected with COVID-19. All approved and authorized COVID-19 vaccines in the United States are effective and recommended for anyone ages 5 and up. For more information, visit the CDC’s page Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine.
You cannot get vaccinated while currently sick with COVID-19. You can get vaccinated once recovered and your isolation period has ended. If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, and are not vaccinated, you should wait until your quarantine is over to avoid getting others sick while you get your vaccine. Visit the CDC’s Quarantine and Isolation page for more information about the criteria for ending quarantine and isolation.
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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.
Each household in the United States is now eligible to order an additional four free at-home COVID-19 tests. If you did not order four originally, then your household will receive two sets of four tests. The tests will be delivered by the United States Postal Service. Visit COVIDtests.gov or call 1(800) 232-0233 to order your household's four tests today.
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The months of March and early April bring the opportunity to travel for many people. COVID-19 is still be present, and, in some destinations, transmission is higher than in others. If you do plan on traveling for spring break, the CDC offers five tips to stay healthy:
- Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines as well as all routine vaccines.
- Check the travel requirements and recommendations for your spring break destination.
- Visit your healthcare provider.
- Plan for unexpected issues.
- Protect yourself during travel.
Visit the CDC’s Spring Break Travel page for more information.
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On Thursday, March 10, the CDC recommended that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) extend the face mask requirement on public transportation and transportation hubs through April 18. A person's risk of getting and/or spreading COVID-19 increases on public transit due to close contact with others, possibly during long periods of time, and exposure to high touch surfaces.
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March is National Nutrition Month created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. National Nutrition Month encourages making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme, “Celebrate a World of Flavors,” focuses on ways to nourish the body while appreciating that we are all unique with different bodies, goals, backgrounds, and tastes. View this handout for 20 tips surrounding food, nutrition and health.
 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. The Community Health Survey helps the Health Department gain insight into factors that may impact the community's current health and how they may be improved. The data collected will help us set goals and assist in implementing the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). Take the survey and find more information at lakecountyil.gov/yourvoice.
- As of March 18, 2022, over 1,254,200 vaccine doses have been administered to Lake County residents and 480,819 residents (68.61% of the population) have been fully vaccinated.
- Over 99.2% of Lake County seniors ages 65 and older and 82.7% of those age 18-64 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
- The county is averaging 384 doses administered per day on a 7-day rolling average.
- As of March 18, 2022, 122,972 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 1,354 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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