Friday, July 16, 2021 ● Volume 2, Issue 16
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Health Department Urges COVID-19 Vaccinations for Eligible Adolescents before the Start of the New School Year
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According to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 vaccination data, 81 percent of eligible residents 12 years and older have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and 65 percent are fully vaccinated. Additionally, 98 percent of DuPage County residents ages 65 years and older have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and 82 percent are fully vaccinated. Despite the successful vaccination rates in DuPage County, health officials continue to encourage parents of school-aged children 12 years and older to get their children fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the beginning of the school year.
“We all want to see students safely return to in-person learning this upcoming school year. By getting them fully vaccinated against COVID-19, they will be able to focus on the experiences that matter most,” said Karen Ayala, Executive Director of DuPage County Health Department. “COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history. Since it takes about five weeks to achieve full vaccination and protection, we are urging parents to get their children 12 years and older vaccinated as soon as possible to help keep them and their friends safe this school year.”
Students who are fully vaccinated by the beginning of the school year will not be required to quarantine if exposed to someone with COVID-19, leading to fewer disruptions to their ability to attend school, participate in sports, or spend time with their friends. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the K-12 Schools Guidance last week. This guidance was adopted by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which recommends schools maintain at least 3 feet of physical distance between students within classrooms, combined with indoor mask-wearing by people who are not fully vaccinated to reduce transmission risk.
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COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Relocates to Health Department's Central Office in Wheaton
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Beginning Monday, July 19, the COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic will be relocated to the DuPage County Health Department’s Central Office at 111 N. County Farm Rd in Wheaton. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone 12 years and older. Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Visitors are encouraged to save time by pre-registering at dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccineregistration.
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The Care Van is Bringing Care to the Community
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The Care Van will make stops in various locations across the County during the month of July. People will be able to walk up to the Care Van and receive a COVID-19 vaccination from a Health Department nurse. The clinic is free, and open to all people 12 years or older, including those who do not have health insurance or legal immigration status. The Care Van will offer either the Pfizer vaccine which requires two doses 21 days apart or the one dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
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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.
What is the current status of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine?
On July 12, the Food and Drug Administration announced it is adding a warning label to the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, noting increased risk of a rare neurological syndrome called Guillain-Barré syndrome. The new warning label is based on preliminary data, after about 100 reports of GBS were detected in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, out of more than 12.8 million administered doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine administered.
The CDC continues to advise that everyone 12 years of age and older receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The risk of severe adverse events after any COVID-19 vaccination remains rare, far lower than adverse health outcomes associated with contracting COVID-19.
The CDC and FDA will continue to provide monitoring and treatment information to health care providers and vaccine recipients. Anyone with questions about which vaccine is best for them should speak to their healthcare provider.
Who is at risk for the Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?
The likelihood of the Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) resulting from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is extremely low. The cases have largely been reported two weeks after vaccination and mostly in males, many age 50 years and older. Additional data that details the risk of incidence is forthcoming, but preliminary data is based on about 100 reports of GBS in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System out of more than 12.8 million Johnson & Johnson doses administered. If you have questions about the J&J vaccine or other vaccines, talk to your healthcare provider.
Should I be concerned about the safety of other vaccines?
The mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines) are not associated with increased risk for Guillain-Barré syndrome or for a rare blood clotting disorder that appear on the warning label for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The identification of what is approximately a less than 2-in-a-million risk associated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a sign that the nation’s safety monitoring system for COVID vaccines is working. After any vaccine is successful in clinical trials and approved for use, the FDA continues to monitor it for safety. The 10-day pause of the J&J vaccine in April 2021 allowed scientists to evaluate each incidence of the clotting disorder. They determined that the level of risk was very low and that the benefits of continued use of the J&J vaccine greatly outweighed any risk associated with it.
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COVID-19 VACCINE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH RESOURCES |
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COVID-19 Vaccine in DuPage County (Flyer)
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Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines
(Flyer)
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About the COVID-19 Vaccines (Flyer)
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DuPage County Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic (Video)
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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 a community-based drive-thru testing site 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.
1033 N. Villa Avenue, Villa Park, IL
Sunday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For other COVID-19 testing sites, visit the IDPH Testing webpage.
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Health Department Announces First Annual Pool Safely Day on July 15 to Promote Water Safety
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On Thursday, July 15, 2021, the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) and more than 30 Illinois agencies and organizations participated in the first annual Pool Safely Day to raise public awareness around water safety and prevent child drownings.
“As families enjoy beaches, pools, lakes, and other bodies of water, we urge parents and caregivers to be particularly vigilant and Pool Safely to keep children safe and avoid any potential tragedies this summer,” said Karen Ayala, Executive Director of DuPage County Health Department.
Parents and caregivers are reminded to follow Pool Safely’s simple steps:
- Teach children how to swim. Infant, child, adult, group, and adapted swim lessons are offered at pools throughout our region.
- Never leave a child unattended in or near water. If a young child is missing, check the water first.
- Designate a focused adult Water Watcher to supervise children who are swimming. Children of all ages must be taught not to enter the water unless a Water Watcher is present.
- Ensure that any pool or spa/hot tub that you use has drain covers that meet federal safety standards.
- Avoid entrapment by teaching children to stay away from pool drains and pipes. Keep long hair, bathing suit straps, and drawstrings away from drains.
- Prevent children from accessing the water by installing door alarms, pool motion sensors, and fencing around all four sides of swimming pools.
- Ensure older children and teens wear a life jacket and stay away from powerful currents in lakes and rivers. Only swim where a lifeguard is present.
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Protect Your Children with Routine Vaccinations
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As your child heads back to school, make sure they have everything they need, including all of their routinely recommended childhood vaccinations. Routine childhood vaccinations are an important way to ensure that your child and community remain healthy and protected against serious diseases, like measles and whooping cough. Check with your child’s doctor to make sure your child is up to date.
For more information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent, visit these resources from the CDC:
If you have questions about vaccines, talk to your child’s healthcare provider.
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Friday, July 16, 2021 ● Volume 2, Issue 16
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