Friday, July 9, 2021 ● Volume 2, Issue 15
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DuPage County Ranks in the Top 2% of U.S. Counties with Eligible Residents Vaccinated against COVID-19
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According to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 vaccination data, DuPage County ranks 47th out of 3,283 counties, or the top 2 percent, among U.S. counties with the highest percentage of eligible residents vaccinated with at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. As of July 7, more than 80 percent of eligible residents 12 years and older have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and 64 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.
“With so many residents vaccinated against COVID-19, the spread of this deadly virus has remained relatively low throughout the county,” said Karen Ayala, Executive Director of DuPage County Health Department (DCHD). “We are confident that vaccination not only prevents people from getting sick, it also prevents the spread of COVID-19 and saves lives. We continue to urge residents, visitors, and workers in DuPage County, who are eligible, but have not been vaccinated against COVID-19, to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves, their family, and their community.”
The DuPage COVID-19 Community Vaccination Clinic at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton continues to welcome walk-ins Thursday through Saturday. Visitors are encouraged to save time by pre-registering. To view the clinic hours or learn more, visit dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccineclinic. Any DuPage County residents who are homebound or who cannot safely leave their residence to visit a vaccination clinic are eligible to be vaccinated through our homebound vaccination program and should register at dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccineregistration, or call (630) 682-7400 for assistance.
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Community Vaccination Clinic Moving as Health Department Shifts COVID-19 Vaccination Resources
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The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) announced today that COVID-19 vaccine administration will move from the DuPage County Fairgrounds to the Health Department’s Central Public Health Center (CPHC) in Wheaton. As the pandemic evolves, health officials are redeploying resources to continue vaccinating the community against COVID-19 using alternate strategies, including local mobile clinics provided by the DCHD Care Van. Many other local healthcare partners will continue to provide COVID-19 vaccination as well. To find a location near you, visit www.vaccines.gov.
“Since opening our COVID-19 vaccination clinic on December 21, 2020, our devoted staff has successfully administered more than 100,000 vaccine doses to members of our community,” said Karen Ayala, Executive Director of DuPage County Health Department. “This achievement, along with more than 80 percent of our eligible residents vaccinated with their first dose, represents an important milestone for our community and allows us to shift our efforts in bringing these safe and highly effective vaccines directly to communities.”
In this next phase, the Health Department will provide mobile vaccination clinics in the community as the primary strategy to reach and vaccinate individuals. The shift from a mass vaccination model to a local vaccination model means Saturday, July 17, will be the last day vaccines are offered at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. However, beginning Monday, July 19, COVID-19 vaccinations will be available on a walk-in basis at CPHC in Wheaton. The vaccination clinic will operate Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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The DCHD 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.
Are the COVID-19 vaccines effective against the delta variant?
Yes. Data show that the COVID-19 vaccines are extremely effective in protecting fully vaccinated people from catching and spreading the virus, including the delta variant. But it is critical that you are fully vaccinated to be protected.
Why do WHO and CDC have different recommendations about mask-wearing?
The World Health Organization (WHO) makes recommendations for the entire world, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues guidance and recommendations to inform U.S. policy decisions at the local and state levels. WHO continues to recommend that everyone, including fully vaccinated people, wear masks. This is not a change, but rather a longstanding recommendation that WHO reiterated in light of the fast-spreading delta variant. A large portion of the world remains unvaccinated, and there are infection hot spots where the delta variant is already, or quickly becoming, the dominant strain. In countries where a large proportion of the population is not vaccinated, masking policies are critical.
In the United States, the CDC continues to urge localized policies based on local vaccination and infection rates. Communities with low vaccination rates are at higher risk for continued infections from COVID-19, including the delta variant. These higher risk levels may require safety measures like masking and social distancing.
Do I need a booster shot if I received the Pfizer vaccine?
Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time. FDA, CDC, and NIH are engaged in a science-based, rigorous process to consider whether or when a booster might be necessary. This process takes into account laboratory data, clinical trial data, and cohort data – which can include data from specific pharmaceutical companies, but does not rely on those data exclusively. We continue to review any new data as it becomes available and will keep the public informed. We are prepared for booster doses if and when the science demonstrates that they are needed.
Click here to read the complete Joint CDC and FDA Statement on Vaccine Boosters.
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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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First Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in DuPage County
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The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) has confirmed the first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus (WNV) this year in DuPage County. The first positive pool of mosquitoes was collected on June 30, 2021, in Clarendon Hills, and the second positive pool was collected on July 1, 2021, at the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Lemont. DuPage County health officials encourage residents to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites and the risk of contracting WNV.
“We encourage you to Fight the Bite to protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus by preventing mosquito bites,” said Karen Ayala, DuPage County Health Department Executive Director. “Let’s take the time to remove standing water around our homes and use insect repellant when spending time outdoors.”
This year, there have been no reported human cases of WNV in DuPage County to date. However, the identification of a positive mosquito pool is associated with an increased risk of WNV in people. Additionally, the recent hot, dry weather is an ideal environment for mosquitoes (primarily Culex mosquitoes) that spread WNV.
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Protect Your Children with Routine Vaccinations
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As a parent, you want to keep your children safe. 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.
As opportunities for in-person activities and play continue to grow, DuPage County Health Department encourages parents to make sure children are up-to-date on routinely recommended vaccines. Well-child visits and check-ups are essential for routine vaccination, even during the pandemic.
If you’re pregnant, now is a great time to find a doctor for your baby and schedule a visit to discuss any questions you have about vaccines.
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 9, 2021 ● Volume 2, Issue 15
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