Friday, August 20, 2021 ● Volume 2, Issue 21
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Health Department Urges Residents to Take Preventive Measures to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 as Children Return to School
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With the continued high level of community transmission in DuPage County and to ensure the safe return to school of children across the county, DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) once again urges residents to practice the preventive measures available to limit the spread of COVID-19 and help protect essential activities in the community. Communities must take all necessary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 to ensure that schools can remain open and safe for students. COVID-19 vaccinations for people who are eligible remain the most critical tool in stopping the spread of COVID-19, especially to protect those who are not yet eligible for vaccination, including children under the age of 12. Anyone who is eligible for the vaccine and not yet fully vaccinated should visit www.vaccines.gov to find a vaccine provider.
Across the county, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to increase. Since last week, the 7-day rolling average of new cases reported in DuPage County increased three percent from 161 new cases per day to 166 new cases per day. Although hospitalizations hit a low in mid-July, with only 10 individuals hospitalized due to COVID-19 in DuPage County, those numbers have also risen dramatically over the past month. Currently, there are 115 individuals hospitalized, and over 20 individuals receiving the most intensive healthcare services in Intensive Care Units. Notably, over 97 percent of hospitalized and deceased COVID-19 cases since mid-December 2020 in DuPage County have been in persons not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
“As we continue to experience high levels of COVID-19 transmission, it is imperative that we come together as a community to slow the spread of this virus. Keeping children safe as they return to in-person learning this school year is a top priority. But to achieve this, we must all do our part and get vaccinated as soon as possible while also practicing all preventive measures such as wearing a mask in public indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status,” said Karen Ayala, Executive Director of DuPage County Health Department. "By following these evidence-based preventive measures we will help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect those who are vulnerable, including people who are immunocompromised and children under the age of 12 who do not yet have protection against the virus.”
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DuPage County COVID-19 Vaccine Champion
Chad Hetlet, Glenbard West High School
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COVID-19 vaccines are free and available to anyone 12 years and older. There are now many locations available to get your COVID-19 vaccine in DuPage County. To find a COVID-19 vaccine provider near you, visit www.vaccines.gov.
The DuPage County Health Department also offers COVID-19 vaccinations on a walk-in basis in Wheaton, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccineclinic.
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The Care Van is Bringing Care to the Community
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The Care Van is making stops in various locations across the County during the month of August. People are 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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Stop The Spread: Get Tested for COVID-19
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Testing remains essential to detecting, monitoring, and curbing the spread of COVID-19 and the variants in our community. DCHD encourages individuals (regardless of vaccination status) who have taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 including travel, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded or poorly-ventilated indoor settings to get tested.
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.
1033 N. Villa Avenue, Villa Park, IL
Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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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.
Who should get a third dose of vaccine?
Currently, individuals with moderately to severely compromised immune systems are recommended for a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine. This includes people currently receiving treatment for cancer, people taking medications that weaken the immune systems, organ or stem cell transplant recipients, individuals with advanced or untreated HIV infection, and other conditions. A full list of conditions can be found on CDC’s website. If you are unsure if you are recommended for a third dose, talk with your health care provider. The third dose of COVID-19 vaccine can be given anytime 28 days after receiving the second dose.
The third dose is being recommended after emerging data suggests some people with moderately to severely compromised immunes systems do not always build the same level of immunity as individuals who do not have a compromised immune system. A third dose will help ensure people with compromised immune systems get as much protection as possible from COVID-19 vaccination.
When will the general public be able to get a booster shot?
Federal health officials developed a plan to begin offering booster shots this fall subject to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducting an independent evaluation and determination of the safety and effectiveness of a third dose of the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines and CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issuing booster dose recommendations based on a thorough review of the evidence.
Booster shots may be available beginning the week of September 20 and starting 8 months after an individual’s second dose. At that time, the individuals who were fully vaccinated earliest in the vaccination rollout, including many health care providers, nursing home residents, and other seniors, will likely be eligible for a booster.
Why do I need a booster shot?
While the COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized in the U.S. continue to be effective in reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death, including protection against the Delta variant, many vaccines see reduced protection over time. While study and data analysis are ongoing, federal health officials may determine that a booster shot will be needed to maximize vaccine-induced protection and prolong its durability.
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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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Fight the Bite to Protect Your Family from West Nile Virus this Summer
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This week, the DuPage County Personal Protection Index (PPI) is at Risk Level 1, indicating a localized abundance of active mosquitoes and climate conditions favorable for development of virus. At this time, residents should remove standing water around their homes and use insect repellant when spending time outdoors.
Residents are also encouraged to report dead birds on the Health Department’s website by accessing the Citizen Reporter and clicking the Health Reporter option to submit their report. Dead birds can often be an early sign of the presence of WNV in the environment.
The Health Department monitors WNV activity by collecting and testing mosquitoes in traps located throughout the county. The PPI widget will be updated by 3 p.m. each Wednesday throughout the WNV season.
View the PPI widget at
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Pool Safely to Help Keep Kids Safe
What if Kids Had Gills and Fins - A Pool Safely PSA
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This PSA from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) Pool Safely campaign aims to remind parents that kids can’t swim like fish and provides clear tips for how to keep them safer in and around water.
Parents and caregivers are reminded to follow these 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, August 20, 2021 ● Volume 2, Issue 21
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