On August 3, 2023, the CDC approved and recommends a new immunization for infants under eight months and some older babies at increased risk of severe illness caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These recommendations are based on last month’s FDA authorization of nirsevimab, which has been shown to reduce the risk of both hospitalizations and healthcare visits for RSV in infants by about 80 percent. The immunization is expected to be available in the fall. Please reach out to your child’s healthcare provider with any questions.
For more information about nirsevimab, visit the CDC’s RSV in Infants and Young Children page.
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 While the air quality in Lake County and surrounding areas has generally improved, it is a good idea to stay updated on the air quality forecast. Sign up for air quality notifications from AirNow EnviroFlash. Knowing the air quality in your area can help you make the best decisions for you and your loved ones. You can also visit AirNow.gov to read more about the air quality data in your area.
 Medicaid coverage will now need to be renewed every year to continue receiving coverage. Medicaid customers have not had to renew their Medicaid coverage since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Medicaid pays for healthcare, like doctor visits, prescription medicine, and urgent emergency services.
Now Illinois is starting renewals again to see if people are still eligible. Everybody's renewal date is different, so it is critical that you get ready to renew.
Don't risk losing your Medicaid! Here is what you need to do:
Click Manage My Case at abe.illinois.gov to:
- Verify your mailing address under "contact us."
- Find your due date (also called redetermination date) in your "benefit details".
Watch your mail and complete your renewal right away.
If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, connect to coverage at work or through the official Affordable Care Act marketplace for Illinois, GetCoveredIllinois.gov.
For more information visit the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Medicaid Redetermination page, click Manage My Case at abe.illinois.gov, or call 1-800-843-6154.
Whether you are spending the day with your family, taking a road trip with friends, or attending a concert, keep naloxone on hand. Naloxone is a lifesaving, non-addictive medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when used in time. Naloxone is safe and easy to use. If you or someone you care for uses opioids, it is especially important to carry naloxone and know how to use it. Tell your family and friends what it is, where it is, and how to use it. It may save a life.
Naloxone is available to Lake County residents and community members. Visit the Health Department's Naloxone Saves Lives page to learn more about naloxone, and place an order today!
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 Not only does the Health Department's Food Protection Program inspect food service facilities around Lake County, they are also responsible for ensuring appropriate food operations and procedures are being followed at temporary food stands and other events like the Lake County Fair. Health Department staff were very busy conducting temporary food inspections with food vendors each day to make sure all food was safe for fairgoers to enjoy. To learn more about the temporary food inspection process, view the Health Inspections at the Lake County Fair video.
 Did you know the Health Department has a Mobile Response team that responds to residents experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis and supports people wherever they are, whenever they need it. Watch this short video, created by the Lake County Government, to learn about the different ways they support our community. Visit our Mobile Response Program page for more information.
Summer isn’t over yet! On days that the area experiences extreme heat, and you don’t have air conditioning, it is good to be prepared and know where cooling centers are located throughout Lake County. To find a list of the over 20 cooling centers in Lake County, visit http://bit.ly/LakeCountyCoolingCenters.
Other things to keep in mind of hot days include:
- Drinking extra water
- Checking on elderly family, friends, and neighbors
- Making sure pets have plenty of water and shelter
For more hot weather safety tips, visit the CDC's How to Keep Cool in Hot Weather page.
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National Immunization Awareness Month
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), an annual observance that highlights the importance of keeping up with routine vaccines throughout your life. Staying up to date on routine vaccinations can protect against many potentially life-threatening diseases.
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! Find resources for vaccines, dental, hearing, and vision, by visiting bit.ly/lchd-back2school.
Not only is it important to keep your kids up to date on recommended vaccines, but it is also important for adults to receive any recommended vaccines as well. Check out the CDC’s adult vaccine assessment tool to see which vaccines might be right for you.
Talk to your healthcare provider to ensure you and your family are caught up on routine vaccinations.
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National Pet Immunization Awareness Month
August is National Pet Immunization Awareness Month. Keeping your pet up to date on their vaccinations is important to keep them safe and healthy.
The Lake County Health Department offers rabies and distemper vaccines to all dogs and cats residing in Lake County. Our immunization clinics are open by appointment only every morning, Monday - Friday.
Visit our Pet Clinics & Costs page and watch our Animal Care and Control Vaccine Clinic video for more information, and call (847) 377-4700 to schedule an appointment.
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National Health Center Week
National Health Center Week is next week from August 6-12. 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. View our Directory of Services for information on the Health Department’s administrative, behavioral health, disease control, environmental health, prevention, and primary care services.
Check out our social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) as we celebrate our Federally Qualified Health Centers next week!
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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 in Illinois: Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health at 1-800-889-3931 or DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV
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