Friday, December 11, 2020 ● Volume 1, Issue 41
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The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) is preparing to receive and distribute the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in DuPage County next week. At this time, the amount of vaccine in the first shipment to DuPage is expected to be about 13,000 doses. The amount of vaccine in future shipments is unknown but weekly shipments are expected.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be meeting this week to review Pfizer’s application for Emergency Use Authorization of their COVID-19 vaccine. If the vaccine is approved by the FDA, DCHD expects to distribute the vaccine based on a multi-phased approach, with the first shipments designated for health care personnel and long-term care facility residents and staff.
DCHD anticipates it may take several months to reach the estimated 58,000 health care personnel and long-term care facility residents in the county. The Health Department will focus on the health care personnel, while the long-term care facilities are provided with vaccinations through a Federal program, called the Pharmacy Partnership Program. This time frame is contingent upon how much vaccine will be available through the weekly shipments of vaccine from the state.
Initially, vaccine amounts will be limited and there will be a need for sub-prioritization. Personnel at the highest-risk of exposure to COVID-19, including those who currently work in COVID-19 patient care units, have direct contact with COVID-19 patients, as well as the staff who will administer the vaccines will be the priority. DCHD officials are in communication with local hospitals and health care partners to finalize these plans as further information about vaccine shipments is available.
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DuPage County COVID-19
Vaccine Information Available on Website
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The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) has launched a COVID-19 Vaccine webpage for the public to stay informed on the latest information regarding vaccine and plans for distribution. As more information becomes available, DCHD will update and share on its website and social media channels.
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Stay Up to Date on Vaccine Distribution in DuPage County
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DuPage County Health Department will be issuing weekly updates about vaccine distribution in DuPage County. If you would like to receive these weekly updates, click here to register.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Every week, the DuPage County Health Department will be sharing the most frequently asked questions about the coronavirus pandemic to help educate and inform county residents. The FAQs for this week are about the COVID-19 Vaccine's safety and dosing schedule:
COVID-19 Vaccine Safety and Dosing Schedule
When injected with the vaccine, are you injecting me with COVID-19?
No, you are not being injected with the virus that causes COVID-19. None of the early COVID-19 vaccines tested in the U.S. use a live virus that causes COVID-19. The goal for each vaccine is to teach our immune systems how to recognize and to fight the virus that causes COVID-19. At this time, the vaccines closest to receiving approval are mRNA - messenger ribonucleic acid - vaccines. Like other vaccines, mRNA vaccines work by training the immune system to recognize a virus threat and begin producing antibodies to protect itself.
How long will the vaccine protect me from COVID-19? Will this be an annual vaccination, like the flu?
We are still learning about the length of immunity. To determine how long protection lasts, follow-up studies are required to detect levels of both types of immune responses – antibody and T cell – as well as any repeated exposure risks. As more information becomes available, more information will be shared on the length of immunity.
I understand the vaccination requires two shots. What if I am unable (or do not want) to get a second shot?
If you choose not to get a second dose, you may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine. The first dose of the vaccine will provide some protection, but the recommendation is to receive two doses to be protected as intended.
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COVID-19 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES |
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DuPage County Drive-Thru COVID-19 Test 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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Flu Vaccine Voucher Program DuPage County |
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This year, it’s more important than ever to make sure everyone in your family gets a flu vaccine. Getting your flu shot will help to keep you, your family, and your community safe and can help you avoid co-infection of COVID-19 and the flu.
The DuPage Health Coalition is joining partners in DuPage County to make it easier for all of individuals to stay healthy and flu-free. With funding provided by DuPage County, DHC is offering free flu vaccine vouchers to uninsured DuPage County residents whose financial circumstances make it difficult to get their annual flu shot.
Vouchers will be sent to individuals who request them (by email or mail) and can be redeemed at any DuPage County Walgreens until December 31st, while supplies last.
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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, December 11, 2020 ● Volume 1, Issue 41
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