Friday, January 8, 2021 ● Volume 1, Issue 45
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COVID-19 VACCINE PRIORITIZATION
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DCHD is working to prioritize vaccinations in alignment with the Phase 1a recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) which includes healthcare personnel (HCP), as defined by CDC and further defined by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), including updates provided on 12/31/20.
- HCP currently providing direct patient care services will receive top priority, pending vaccine supply.
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HCP will be required to present verification of their healthcare personnel status, i.e., employee ID badge, check stub, state licensure, or certificate.
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Vaccination is by appointment only and dependent on vaccine supply.
- As the vaccine supply provided by the State of Illinois/IDPH is allocated based on county jurisdiction, DCHD is further prioritizing its administration of vaccine for individuals who reside, work, or attend school in DuPage County. Individuals presenting for vaccination at a DCHD location may be asked to provide verification of residence, employment, or school attendance within DuPage County.
- Vaccination prioritization will continue to change as COVID-19 vaccine supply increases in the coming weeks.
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COVID Vaccine Testimonial #1:
“I felt safe and comfortable and it was pretty easy.” – Local Nurse.
Since COVID-19 vaccine began arriving in DuPage County, over 18,000 healthcare workers who live or work in DuPage County have now been vaccinated, as of Jan. 4, 2021. This indicates the County being on track to complete the Phase 1a priority group, including an estimated 43,000 healthcare personnel (HCP), within the projected eight-week timeline. This also reflects that of the doses received, nearly 70% have been administered in DuPage County. Additionally, local hospitals are preparing to administer the second dose of vaccines starting this week.
DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) continues to coordinate the receipt and distribution of COVID-19 vaccine throughout DuPage County. As of Jan. 4, 2021, over 27,000 doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccine have been received and distributed in DuPage County. As vaccine supply increases and local capacity to administer vaccine expands, the Health Department expects the rate of vaccination will increase.
“Despite the challenges created by the Christmas and New Year’s holidays coinciding with the first several weeks of vaccine distribution, we are very pleased with the number of vaccines administered to healthcare workers over the past three weeks. We are committed to ensuring all healthcare workers have access to this life-saving vaccine and are working to expand access to vaccine as quickly as possible,” said Karen Ayala, Executive Director of DuPage County Health Department.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Every week, the DuPage County Health Department will be sharing the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the coronavirus pandemic to help educate and inform county residents. For a list of additional FAQ, visit COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions.
I have signed up for the newsletter; when will I be notified that there are more appointments available?
- Current demand and interest to be vaccinated is extremely high. Thousands of healthcare professionals have signed up for our newsletter/weekly update and we are working as quickly as possible to offer appointment opportunities to healthcare professionals providing direct patient service. We are currently releasing new sets of open appointments every 3 to 4 business days.
I received a link to book an appointment, but when I clicked the link all appointments were full. When will I get a link for new appointment times?
- We will send new links through email to healthcare professionals signed up for our weekly update as more appointments become available. We anticipate opening additional sets of appointments every 3 to 4 business days at this time.
When will DuPage County move to Phase 1b and begin vaccinating frontline essential workers and residents age 65 years and older?
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Specific timelines are difficult to predict but we have estimated it may take approximately 8 weeks to vaccinate all Phase 1a (healthcare personnel) in DuPage County. Currently, we are in week 4 of our vaccination efforts.
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State of Illinois COVID-19 Vaccine Plan |
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The COVID-19 vaccine is a critical tool to safely reach the other side of this pandemic and begin Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan. Through efficient and effective distribution of the vaccine, we can suppress the spread of the virus, rebuild our economy, and save as many lives as possible. Illinois will only distribute a vaccine that is deemed safe. A team of experts in Illinois will review the data submitted to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for all vaccines submitted for approval, in addition to the thorough reviews being conducted by the FDA. As vaccines move from approval to distribution, the administration will ensure it reaches Illinoisans as quickly as possible using an equity centric approach as we have done throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
As we move forward, it is critical that Illinoisans continue to follow public health mitigations to suppress the spread of the virus until vaccines are ready for widespread distribution.
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Health Department Reminds Residents to
Wear Masks and Practice Physical Distance
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As of Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, Governor Pritzker’s emergency COVID-19 rule to continue statewide mask and gathering size requirements in Illinois went into effect for the next 150 days. COVID-19 can be spread by people who do not have symptoms and do not know that they are infected. That is why it is important for everyone to practice physical distancing (staying at least 6 feet away from other people) and wearing masks in public settings. DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) reminds residents to continue following these public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.
“Many of us are filled with hope as the vaccine rollout moves forward and people are vaccinated. However, it is still important that we continue to follow these mitigations to keep us headed in the right direction while we work to ensure the next priority groups, and ultimately all DuPage County residents are vaccinated,” said Karen Ayala, Executive Director of DuPage County Health Department.
The emergency rule states any individual who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face covering (a mask or cloth face covering) shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when in a public place and unable to maintain at least a six-foot physical distance. This requirement applies whether in an indoor space, such as a store, or in an outdoor space.
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Benefits of Getting a
COVID-19 Vaccine
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Importance of
COVID-19 Vaccination
for Healthcare Personnel
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Building Vaccine Confidence
in Health Systems and Clinics
Tips for Immunization Coordinators
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In addition to providing information about COVID-19 vaccines, safety monitoring, and elements of vaccine confidence, this presentation focuses on what immunization coordinators can do to build vaccine confidence within their health system or clinic.
Download the presentation:
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For Physicians & Nurses: Answers to COVID-19 Vaccination Questions for HCPs
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We are joining forces with the Ad Council, the COVID Collaborative, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) along with top health and medical organizations to support healthcare professional’s efforts to address patient questions about COVID-19 vaccines. Resources are available to help healthcare professionals ease concerns, guide conversations, and instill confidence in the vaccination efforts at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19. We’re in this together.
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DuPage County COVID-19
Vaccine Information Available on Website
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The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) has a COVID-19 Vaccine webpage for the public to stay informed on the latest information regarding vaccine planning in DuPage County. As more information becomes available, DCHD will share updates on its website and social media channels.
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COVID-19 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES |
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DuPage County COVID-19 Testing Sites |
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The DuPage County Health Department offers two community-based drive-thru testing sites to residents. Anyone can be tested, and no appointment, doctor referral, or insurance is required. Visitors are encouraged to pre-register at testdirectly.com. Please note: Pre-registration does not guarantee testing or a place in line for that day.
421 N County Farm Rd, Wheaton, IL
Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to noon, or until test capacity is met.
1033 N. Villa Avenue, Villa Park, IL
Sunday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or until test capacity is met.
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Testing Site Locations in DuPage County |
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The DuPage County Health Department reminds residents that there are various COVID-19 testing locations throughout DuPage County. For a list of testing locations near you including CVS and Physicians Immediate Care, visit the IDPH Testing webpage.
Additionally, Walgreens also offers COVID-19 testing.
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Pillars Community Health
COVID-19 Testing in Willowbrook
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Pillars Community Health offers drive-up testing for COVID-19 across the street from Burr Ridge Middle School in Burr Ridge.
Testing is restricted to people who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or who have had a close contact with a confirmed exposure. Limited tests available; an appointment IS REQUIRED: Call
708-PILLARS (708-745-5277) and follow the prompts.
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VNA Health Care COVID-19 Testing |
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VNA Health Care offers COVID-19 testing by appointment only to new and existing patients with or without symptoms.
Community mobile testing clinics are also available in Bensenville and West Chicago through VNA Health Care.
VNA Mobile Clinic at St. Alexis Catholic Church
400 W Wood Ave, Bensenville, IL, 60106
VNA Mobile Clinic at St. Andrew's Church
155 N Prince Crossing Rd, West Chicago, IL, 60185
To schedule an appointment, call (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455.
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Illinois COVID-19 Hotline and Email Address |
If you have questions about Coronavirus - Call the Illinois Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Hotline:
Both are available anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Friday, January 8, 2021 ● Volume 1, Issue 45
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