Friday, February 19, 2021 ● Volume 1, Issue 51
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DuPage County Updates on COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and First Report of Local COVID-19 Case Caused by B.1.1.7 Variant |
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DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) has learned the number of COVID-19 vaccines allocated to DuPage County in the next three weeks for first doses will be very limited. This week, DCHD expects to receive only 2,450 vaccines for first doses for distribution to vaccine providers in DuPage County which is much lower than the recent average of 14,000 new vaccine doses previously received each week.
This lower allocation of new first doses means DCHD’s Community Vaccination Clinic and other local providers will be primarily focused on administering second doses and very limited appointments for new first doses will be available. We fully expect the vaccine supply will catch up over the next few weeks and additional new first dose appointments will become more accessible in early to mid-March.
Until vaccine supply increases, DuPage County will not be expanding to the Phase 1b Part II group announced by the Governor last week that includes individuals ages 16–64 years with co-morbidities and underlying conditions, as well as individuals with disabilities. Per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for transitioning between phases, we will look to move in to the Phase 1b Part II group when supply increases significantly through more doses available of current vaccines or new vaccine authorized, when most persons within current phase are vaccinated (>60-70%) or when demand in the current phase is less than vaccination available.
Currently, the Health Department and vaccine providers in DuPage County are focused on vaccinating the 270,000 people in DuPage County previously eligible in Phase 1b and assuring that all healthcare workers who meet Phase 1a have also had the opportunity to be vaccinated. All individuals who live and work in DuPage County are welcome to register for vaccine on our website at www.dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccine. It is important to note that appointment notifications will continue to be sent to any remaining Phase 1a and 1b individuals who have registered until more vaccination of these groups has been completed.
Also of concern, DCHD has received confirmation of the first case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7, the same variant discovered in the United Kingdom (U.K.), in a DuPage County resident. Although this is the first case of this new variant reported in DuPage County, there have been 25 cases reported throughout Illinois to date.
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Avoid COVID-19 Vaccine Scams |
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Protect yourself from COVID-19 vaccine scams! Knows the signs of fraud and report it right away. You can report it immediately online or call 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). For more information, please visit oig.hhs.gov/coronavirus/fraud-alert-covid19.asp. |
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Improve How Your Mask Protects You |
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Correct and consistent mask use is a critical step everyone can take to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19. Masks work best when everyone wears them, but not all masks provide the same protection. When choosing a mask, look at how well it fits, how well it filters the air, and how many layers it has.
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Choose a mask with a Nose Wire
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Use a Mask Fitter or Brace
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Check that it Fits Snugly over yourose, mouth, and chin
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Add Layers of material
- Make sure you can see and breathe easily
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Knot and Tuck ear loops of a 3-ply mask
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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.
Will DuPage County expand the 1b priority group to include people 16-64 with underlying health conditions on Feb. 25th?
Until vaccine supply increases, DuPage County will not be expanding to the Phase 1b Part II group announced by the Governor last week that includes individuals ages 16–64 years with co-morbidities and underlying conditions, as well as individuals with disabilities.
How long will it take to complete the 1a and 1b priority groups?
Based on the extremely limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine available each week across the country and in DuPage County, we anticipate it may take approximately 12 weeks to vaccinate the nearly 270,000 individuals in DuPage County who meet Phase 1b criteria.
Once vaccine supply is more robust, the rate of vaccination is expected to increase as more vaccine will be available for the DCHD community vaccination clinic as well as the network of healthcare providers approved as vaccination sites.
I’m part of the 1b priority group and want to schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine. What should I do?
Persons eligible in Phase 1a or 1b who are interested in receiving vaccine should do the following:
- Register on DCHD’s website at www.dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccine, or call (630) 682-7400 if assistance is needed with registration (i.e., no internet or computer access, language assistance, or have questions).
- Explore additional opportunities through other vaccine providers in your area. Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has compiled available locations at https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/vaccination-location.
- Contact your primary care doctor or local retail pharmacy for appointment availability.
- Take the first available opportunity to receive vaccine.
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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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Our Best Shot Against COVID-19 (Video)
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COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center (Postcard)
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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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Illinois Department of Public Health
COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Data
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COVID-19 vaccination data by county is now available through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) website. Data include the number of doses administered, the vaccination rate per population, and what percent of the population is fully vaccinated. It is important to note that vaccine distribution figures are reported in real-time, while vaccine administration figures are reported with as much as a 72-hour lag. |
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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
NEW HOURS: Sunday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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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, February 19, 2021 ● Volume 1, Issue 51
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