For the most protection against COVID-19, it is important to stay up to date on all COVID-19 vaccinations. Boosters offer additional protection by enhancing or restoring the original protection from the primary COVID-19 vaccine series. At this time, the following doses are available:

One Booster

Individuals ages five and older can receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at least five months after completing the last dose in the primary series. Individuals ages 18 and older can receive either Pfizer-BioNTech or a Moderna COVID-19 booster.  

Two Boosters

Adults ages 50 and older, and some people ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised can receive the first booster at least five months after completing the primary series and get a second booster at least four months after the first booster.

For more information, visit the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Booster page.

Lake County continues to be at a "high" COVID-19 community level. In a high community level, the CDC recommends masks when spending time indoors. It continues to be best to practice additional prevention strategies such as: 

• Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines  
• Testing if you have symptoms 
• Taking additional precautions if you are, or are around those that are, immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease  

Visit the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Level and COVID-19 Precaution page to determine what additional precautions you can take while Lake County is at a high COVID-19 community level.   

On July 19, 2022, the CDC updated its COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. This followed the FDA's authorization of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use for adults 18 years and older. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has two doses in its primary series, given three weeks apart. It has been found to be over 90% effective in preventing mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19.

Monkeypox was declared a national health emergency on August 4, 2022, due to the growing monkeypox outbreak in the United States. In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) last month, due to its rapid spread to many countries. At this time, the risk of monkeypox in the United States is believed to be low, but it is till important to know what steps you can take to protect yourself and others.

Consider taking the following steps to prevent monkeypox:

• Cover exposed skin in dense crowds
• Talk to your partner about their health before having close physical contact
• Stay aware if traveling to countries with monkeypox outbreaks
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you are at higher risk for monkeypox and find out about additional steps you can take to stay safe

If you have symptoms or were exposed to monkeypox, contact your healthcare provider right away. Avoid being intimate with others until you have spoken with your doctor.

Visit the CDC for more information about monkeypox.

August is National Breastfeeding Month! Within this month, the first week of August is recognized as World Breastfeeding Week. This month spotlights breastfeeding to show support to mothers and increase awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding.

It is currently recommended that babies exclusively breastfeed for the first six months and continue to breastfeed during the introduction of new foods until at least 12 months old. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies, providing a variety of vitamins and minerals that help babies grow big and strong! To learn more about recommendations and the benefits of breast milk visit the CDC’s Breastfeeding page.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance highlights the importance of keeping up with routine vaccines throughout your life. While many serious diseases are no longer common in the United States thanks to vaccines, these diseases still exist and can spread when people are not vaccinated.

With the school year starting soon for many, this is also a great time to schedule your child’s physicals, eye, and dental exams and ensure they are up to date with their immunizations.

Visit the CDC to view the recommended vaccine schedule and how to Head Back to School Safer and Healthier this Year!

National Health Center Week is next week from August 7-13. This annual celebration raises awareness about the mission and goals of health centers across the United States.

At the Lake County Health Department, our mission is to promote the health and well-being of all who live, work, and play in Lake County. We have a team of dedicated professionals who work hard to treat and prevent illness, promote wellness, and protect the environment.

Check out our social media as we celebrate our Federally Qualified Health Centers next week!