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The CDC recommends that everyone ages 12 years and older receive the updated bivalent booster if it has been at least two months since your last COVID-19 vaccine dose. Both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna release an updated booster in early September. Pfizer-BioNTech’s updated booster shot is recommended for individuals 12 and older, and Moderna’s updated booster shot is recommended for adults 18 and older. Visit the CDC page Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters for more information. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions regarding the new booster.
Visit Vaccines.gov to find a COVID-19 vaccination location near you.
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The flu season is here and it is important to get your seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible. It is recommended that everyone ages 6 months and older get the flu shot. It is especially important for adults 65 years and older to get vaccinated as they are more vulnerable to severe diseases. The best way to reduce your risk of getting the flu is to get your vaccine.
The flu shot and the COVID-19 booster vaccination can be administered at the same time. Visit Vaccines.gov to find a flu shot and COVID-19 booster location near you.
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Keep your pet healthy and up to date on routine vaccinations. All dogs and cats in Lake County are required to be vaccinated against rabies and registered. Low-cost pet vaccinations are an affordable way to keep pets up to date with their shots and in compliance with rabies vaccination and registration requirements.
On a limited basis and by appointment only, Lake County residents can receive low-cost rabies and distemper vaccinations for their pets at Lake County Animal Care and Control. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 847-377-4700. Visit our Pet Clinics page for more information.
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Registration is now open for the Virtual 2022 Deicing Event for Northeast Illinois! All workshops are from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Remaining dates include:
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Public roads: October 6 & 12
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Parking lots and sidewalks: October 11
Businesses large and small, both private and public, have to balance safety with effective ice and snow removal practices in their winter maintenance programs. Register at saltsmart.org/workshops to learn best practices for the upcoming winter season!
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Since breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, with the exception of skin cancers, it is important to be proactive with breast health.
Be proactive with breast health by doing monthly breast self-exams and scheduling an annual clinical exam and mammogram. Eligible Lake County women can receive free breast and cervical cancer screenings through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), located at the Lake County Health Department. Visit the Health Department’s Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening page for more information.
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National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 23 – 29, 2022, was established to increase lead poisoning prevention awareness in the hopes of reducing childhood lead exposure. Lead exposure is more harmful to children six years old and under because their bodies are still developing and growing rapidly. Lead exposure in children can harm their:
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Brain and nervous system
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Growth and development
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Learning and behavior
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Hearing and speech
These problems can then cause a lower IQ, decreased ability to pay attention, and underperformance in school. Childhood lead poisoning is 100% preventable. There are two ways to support lead prevention. The first way is to remove lead hazards from the environment before a child is exposed. The second way is to get a blood lead test if a child may have already been exposed to lead. Getting tested will yield results and your child’s healthcare provider can recommend follow-up actions and care if needed.
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This year’s National Take Back Day is on October 29, 2022. This annual event is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs at locations in your community. Visit Take Back Day to find a collection location near you. |
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It is recommended that children should see a dentist no later than their first birthday. Children should then see the dentist every six months for routine checkups to make sure they are developing as they should and to help establish good oral health. Taking your child to see the dentist routinely will also help to catch any issues if they arise.
Oral health continues to be important even as an adult. It is recommended that adults visit a dentist at least once a year, even if you have no natural teeth or have dentures.
Along with regular oral exams and cleanings, the Lake County Health Department offers a wide range of Dental Services. Call (847) 377-8800 to schedule a dental appointment for yourself or your child.
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 October is Youth Substance Use Prevention Month observed by SAMHSA and the White House. The Health Department is proud to work with schools and young people throughout Lake County, offering a variety of programs to reduce substance use among youth.
This month take time to talk the young people in your life about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. Check out some of the resources below:
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Talk. They Hear You.”® helps you start talking with your child early about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs.
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline provides referrals to local treatment, support groups, and resources. It’s confidential and free, for individuals or families facing substance misuse and/or mental health issues. Call 24/7 at 800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 800-487-4889.
Where do I find information about...
Who can I contact to ask a question about...
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Lake County Health Department Services: Call (847) 377-8000
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COVID-19 Vaccines in Lake County: Contact the Lake County Health Department at AllVax@lakecountyil.gov
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COVID-19 in Illinois: Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health at 1-800-889-3931 or DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV
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