Vaccinations for Children and Teens 

It is important for eligible children and teens to get vaccinated against COIVD-19. Currently, all children ages 5 and older can get vaccinated. Children, just like adults, can get seriously sick from COVID-19, have both long- and short-term health problems, and spread it to others if infected.  

Getting vaccinated is an important tool to protect your child from severe disease, hospitalization, or death. Getting vaccinated can also help keep them in school or daycare, and safely participate in sports, playdates, and other activities. 

Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. Visit the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens page for more information and resources.  

Booster Dose for Children Ages 5-11  

On May 19, 2022, the CDC updated their recommendations to include a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. Children in this age group are eligible for a booster dose five months after getting the second shot in the primary two-dose series.  

Getting all recommended doses is the best way to protect yourself and your child from severe illness from COVID-19. Visit the CDC's COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters for more information. 

Talk to your child's healthcare provider if you have any questions. Visit Vaccines.gov to find a vaccination location near you.  

Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Data  

On May 23, 2022, Pfizer-BioNTech announced the safety data for their COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months to 4 years old. The data for a three-dose series was found to be well-tolerated, safe, and effective.   

The FDA is currently scheduled to meet on June 15 to discuss both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna’s EUA requests for their COVID-19 vaccines for children as young as six months. 

On May 26, 2022, Lake County transitioned from “medium” to “high” COVID-19 community level as a result of increased COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Several counties in the Chicagoland area are also reporting high transmission levels.   

Every household in the U.S. in now eligible to receive another round of free at-home COVID-19 tests. In this shipment, each household will receive eight rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. The tests will be delivered in two packages containing four tests each. 

At-home tests are good to have on hand and use if:

• You have any COVID-19 symptoms
• You were exposed to someone with COVID-19
• You are going to an indoor event or a gathering 

You can order the tests online or by calling 1(800) 232-0233 if you have not done so already.  

On June 1, 2022, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) transitioned from individual case investigation calls to automated calls to those who test positive for COVID-19. All reported positive individuals will now receive a text message containing information that will direct people to resources via voice prompts available in English, Polish, and Spanish.  

Read the full announcement for more information about contact tracing through the IDPH. 

Multiple cases of Monkeypox have been reported around the world in countries that do not normally report cases, including the United States. At this time, very few cases of Monkeypox have been reported throughout the United States. Moneybox is a rare disease that can affect anyone. It primarily spreads between people through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs, or body fluids. If you have symptoms and are at risk of monkeypox, contact your healthcare provider. 

You may be at higher risk for monkeypox if you:  

• Traveled to areas where monkeypox cases have been reported, including central or west African countries, parts of Europe, or other areas with confirmed cases the month before your symptoms began  
• Were in contact with a person with confirmed or suspected monkeypox 

Check out our Myths vs. Facts resource about Monkeypox and visit the CDC for more information about Monkeypox. 

Whether swimming at your local pool or enjoying family time on your favorite beach, it is important to protect yourself from illness, prevent the spread of germs, and practice safe swimming.  

Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are caused by germs spread by swallowing, breathing in, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs/spas, water playgrounds or fountains, lakes, rivers, or oceans. Diarrhea is the most common RWI. 

The Health Department monitors lake water for E.coli bacteria in over 100 Lake Michigan and inland lake beaches to ensure that the water is safe for swimming. We urge everyone to visit our Beach Advisory page before heading out to swim at any lakes in the area. The page is updated daily by 10 a.m.  

Read the full press release for more information and tips on how to swim safely at pools and lakes.

Pride month is celebrated annually during the month of June. Here at the Lake County Health Department, we strive to offer an inclusive and respectful environment for all who seek care through any of our programs.     

We are excited to announce that the Health Department recently earned “LGBTQ+ Health Care Equality Leader” designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC). A record 906 health care facilities actively participated in the HEI 2022 survey. Of those who participated, 496 earned an “LGBTQ+ Health Care Equality Leader” designation, achieving the coveted top score of 100.  

The Health Department offers comprehensive HIV care and prevention including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), transgender health services, and affirming services for members of the LGBTQ population. Call (847) 377-8450 for more information. 

During the month of June, HIV is spotlighted on June 5 and June 27. 

HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day occurs on June 5. This day honors long-term survivors of HIV and raises awareness of their needs, complications, and journeys.  

National HIV Testing Day occurs on June 27. This year's theme is “HIV Testing is Self-care.” Getting tested for HIV can help a person know their status as well as help them stay healthy. HIV testing is a critical tool to help end the HIV epidemic in the United States. Find an HIV testing site near you or call the Health Department at (847) 377-8450 for information about HIV testing.