Friday, May 21, 2021 Volume 2, Issue 8
(630) 682-7400 www.dupagehealth.org
Gov. Pritzker Aligns Illinois Mask Guidance with CDC for Fully Vaccinated People
Following guidance from the CDC that fully vaccinated people can stop wearing a mask and practicing social distancing in most indoor and outdoor settings, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health have announced that Illinois will align state executive orders with the latest CDC guidance and rescind IDPH emergency rules enforcing masking and distance.

The CDC continues to require masks for everyone in healthcare settings, in congregate settings and on transit. In addition, in line with CDC guidance, the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health require masks in schools. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services requires masks in daycare.

“Getting vaccinated is the ultimate protection from COVID-19 and the quickest ticket back to normal life,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With public health experts now saying fully vaccinated people can safely remove their masks in most settings, I’m pleased to follow the science and align Illinois’ policies with the CDC’s guidance. I also support the choice of individuals and businesses to continue to mask out of an abundance of caution as this pandemic isn’t over yet.”


More than 45 Percent of DuPage County Residents Are Fully Vaccinated against COVID-19
As of May 20, more than 45 percent, or 423,703, of DuPage County residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Of the DuPage County residents currently eligible, 54 percent have been fully vaccinated and 62 percent have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Additionally, 85 percent of DuPage County residents ages 65 years and older are fully vaccinated and 92 percent have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. In the past week, more than 43,000 vaccine doses were administered into the arms of DuPage County residents for a total of 912,916 doses administered to date.

The DCHD Community Vaccination Clinic at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton offers COVID-19 vaccines to persons 12 years and older. To date, the DCHD vaccination clinic has provided more than 90,000 vaccinations. Walk-in hours are available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Visitors are encouraged to save time by pre-registering. For more information about what to expect and how to prepare, visit www.dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccineclinic.    

Earlier this week, Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) aligned state executive orders with the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mask guidance. Based on the guidance provided by CDC and IDPH, persons fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in most settings. Those who are not fully vaccinated are expected to continue wearing masks when in public settings with people they do not live with, especially when physical distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained. However, masks continue to be required in some settings regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, including healthcare, congregate facilities, schools, and public transportation. Furthermore, businesses and workplaces may choose to continue mask requirements for their locations if desired. DCHD expects guidance will continue to evolve and additional updates from CDC and IDPH will be provided when available. 


COVID-19 Mobile Vaccination Clinics
Now Available
DuPage County COVID-19 Vaccine Champion
Orbert Davis, Emmy Award Winner
“This is Our Shot DuPage, to get back to concerts, get back to churches, to get back to normal.” Emmy Award Winner, Orbert Davis, trusts the science behind the COVID-19 vaccine and encourages people to look at the facts and get vaccinated.

DCHD’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination Clinic is open to everyone 12 years and older. Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Parents and legal guardians can register their eligible children at www.dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccineregistration

Walk-ins are welcome:

Mon-Tue-Wed-Fri
8:30 am to 3:30 pm

Thursday
11:30 am to 6:30 pm

Saturday
8:30 am to 12:30 pm

DuPage County COVID-19 Vaccine Data
The DuPage County Health Department, with the support of DuPage County GIS, provides an interactive COVID-19 Vaccine Data feature onto the DuPage County COVID-19 Dashboard. The vaccine feature provides information about vaccine providers, weekly vaccine allocations, and allocations by provider type throughout DuPage County. To view the DuPage County COVID-19 Dashboard, visit www.dupagehealth.org/covid19data.
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.



Is it safe for my child to get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Like adults, children may have some side effects after COVID-19 vaccination. These side effects may affect their ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Children 12 years and older are now eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines have been used under the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history, including studies in children 12 years and older. Your child cannot get COVID-19 from any COVID-19 vaccine.


Why should my child get vaccinated against COVID-19?

COVID-19 vaccination can help protect your child from getting COVID-19. Although fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, can get sick from COVID-19, and can spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to others. Getting your child vaccinated helps to protect your child and your family. Vaccination is now recommended for everyone 12 years and older. Currently, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is the only one available to children 12 years and older.


Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
COVID-19 VACCINE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH RESOURCES
COVID-19 Vaccine in DuPage County (Flyer)
Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines
(Flyer)
About the COVID-19 Vaccines (Flyer)
Our Best Shot Against COVID-19 (Video)
DuPage County Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic (Video)
COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center (Postcard)
DuPage County COVID-19
Vaccine Information Available on Website
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.

To view the COVID-19 Vaccine page, visit www.dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccine.

Also, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Illinois Department of Public Health
COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Data
COVID-19 vaccination data by county is available through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) website. Data includes 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. 

To view this data, visit www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccinedata
COVID-19 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
DuPage County COVID-19 Testing Sites
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.

For more information about COVID-19 testing in DuPage County, visit www.dupagehealth.org/covid19testing.


1033 N. Villa Avenue, Villa Park, IL
Sunday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Testing Site Locations in DuPage County
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.
Illinois COVID-19 Hotline and Email Address
If you have questions about Coronavirus - Call the Illinois Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Hotline:

1 (800) 889-3931 or, send an email to: dph.sick@illinois.gov

Both are available anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Friday, May 21, 2021 Volume 2, Issue 8
(630) 682-7400 www.dupagehealth.org