Friday, July 23, 2021 ● Volume 2, Issue 17
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Health Department Urges Residents to Practice Preventive Measures as COVID-19 Activity Increases in DuPage County
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The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) is reporting a 75 percent increase in COVID-19 cases and a 44 percent increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations over the past week among DuPage County residents. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is projecting that the Delta variant comprises over 83 percent of new COVID-19 cases across the country and creates a higher level of risk for unvaccinated people. In DuPage County, a notable increase in Delta variant cases has also been identified. Thus, DCHD urges unvaccinated residents 12 years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible.
COVID-19 vaccinations are safe and highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death in those who are fully vaccinated. In DuPage County, over 99 percent of COVID-19 cases and over 99.9 percent of hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID-19 since mid-December have been identified in persons not fully vaccinated. Additionally, Delta variant cases have nearly doubled in the past week—up from 11 cumulative cases on July 14 to 21 cases as of July 21, based on limited genomic sequencing efforts.
According to the latest CDC COVID-19 vaccination data, more than 81 percent of eligible residents 12 years and older in DuPage County 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.
Notably, among 12 to 17-year-olds in DuPage County, 57 percent have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and only 49 percent are fully vaccinated. 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 in their ability to attend school, participate in sports, or spend time with their friends.
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COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic in Wheaton Offers Walk-in Opportunities
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The COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at the DuPage County Health Department (111 N. County Farm Rd) in Wheaton offers convenient walk-in opportunities 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.
Why is the Delta variant concerning? How can I protect myself?
The Delta variant has quickly become the dominant COVID-19 variant around the world and the U.S. Data show that the Delta variant is roughly twice as contagious as the initial strain of COVID-19, and people infected with it are more likely to need hospitalization. Currently, 99% of new COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations have been reported in people who are unvaccinated.
The best thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones healthy is to get vaccinated against COVID-19 with the safe, effective, and free vaccines that are available. COVID vaccines are extremely effective in protecting fully vaccinated people from catching and spreading the virus, including the Delta variant.
Why should my child get vaccinated against COVID-19?
If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated against COVID-19?
Yes, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19. That’s because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, it is possible—although rare—that you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 again. Studies have shown that vaccination provides a strong boost in protection in people who have recovered from COVID-19. Learn more about why getting vaccinated is a safer way to build protection than getting infected.
If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
If you or your child has a history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults or children (MIS-A or MIS-C), consider delaying vaccination until you or your child have recovered from being sick and for 90 days after the date of diagnosis of MIS-A or MIS-C. Learn more about the clinical considerations people with a history of multisystem MIS-C or MIS-A.
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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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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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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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