It is officially respiratory virus season, and now is the best time to protect yourself from severe illness, hospitalization, and death by getting your annual flu shot, updated COVID-19 vaccine, and RSV vaccine (if eligible).
Everyone six months and older is encouraged to get both a seasonal flu and updated COVID-19 vaccine. The updated COVID-19 vaccines are meant to protect against newer variants of the coronavirus. Viruses change and vaccine effectiveness can wane over time. It is important to stay up to date on vaccinations.
New this year, RSV immunizations have been approved and recommended by the CDC for adults 60 and older, infants under eight months and some older babies at increased risk of severe illness, and certain pregnant people. Please contact your or your child’s healthcare provider for more information.
The flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines can all be administered at the same time to eligible individuals. Visit Vaccines.gov to find a flu shot and the 2023 COVID-19 vaccination near you.
Be prepared for the upcoming respiratory virus season by having COVID-19 tests at home. Each household is, once again, eligible to receive four free at-home COVID-19 tests. Visit COVID.gov/tests to order today!
If you have any unused and "expired" tests check them before throwing them out. Some test expiration dates have been expanded. Visit the FDA to check your tests.
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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.
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:
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Verify your mailing address under "contact us."
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Find your due date (also called redetermination date) in your "benefit details."
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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.
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The Health Department reported the first human case of neuroinvasive West Nile virus in Lake County for 2023. Mosquitoes are still with us in the Fall until the first hard frost. Protect yourself and your family from West Nile Virus by following 4 Ds of Defense:
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Drain – Drain standing water from items around your home, yard, and business.
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Defend - Use insect repellent when outdoors.
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Dawn to Dusk - Protect yourself from morning to night, especially during prime times for mosquito activity.
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Dress - Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes when outdoors to cover your skin.
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This year’s National Take Back Day is on October 28, 2023. 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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National Hispanic Heritage Month
Every year, from September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latinx community. Did you know that Hispanics/Latinos are about 50% more likely to die from diabetes or liver disease than non-Hispanic whites? It is important to make healthy choices not only for you but for your family.
Visit the CDC to learn more about making healthy choices.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to not only raise awareness but to also take action, and to support one another. Most breast cancer is found in women who are ages 50 and older, but it can also affect younger women.
Early detection of breast cancer can make it easier to treat. Be proactive with breast health by doing monthly breast self-exams and scheduling an annual clinical exam and mammogram. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best screening plan for you. 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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Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month occurs every October to promote healthy relationships and a better understanding of abuse. Click through our recent Facebook post to learn about some common myths and facts about domestic violence.
If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available in Lake County as well as nationally. Resources available in Lake County include A Safe Place. Their crisis line, 800-600-SAFE (7233), is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Additionally, people can visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline for more information and resources. You can contact them by phone (Call: 800-799-SAFE(7233) or text START to 88788) or through live chat.
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National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 22 – 28, 2023, was established to increase lead poisoning prevention awareness in the hopes of reducing childhood lead exposure. No safe blood level in children has been identified with children six years old and under especially vulnerable because their bodies are still developing and growing rapidly.
You can take steps to prevent lead exposure today. First, take steps to remove lead hazards from any place a child might be exposed. Second, get a blood lead test if you suspect that a child was already exposed to lead. Depending on the results of testing, your child’s healthcare provider can recommend follow up actions if needed.
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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