Prairie State Wire

The Directors of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) visited a vaccination event in Gallatin County, Southern Illinois, to receive their flu and COVID-19 shots. The IDPH Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard indicates that illness levels in Illinois are currently minimal, but public health officials anticipate an increase as the holiday season approaches.

“With the Thanksgiving Holiday fast approaching, I want to remind everyone that it takes about two weeks for vaccinations to provide their full level of protection,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. He received his vaccines alongside IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie at a clinic operated by the Egyptian Health Department in Junction, Illinois. “I received my COVID-19 and flu vaccines today to ensure that I do all I can to protect myself and my loved ones from severe illness. If you haven’t already gotten your vaccines this season, now is a great time to visit your local pharmacy or clinic. Vaccinations are especially important for individuals over 65, those with chronic medical conditions, and those who are immunocompromised.”

The FDA and CDC have approved new vaccines for COVID-19 and flu, along with updated guidelines on RSV vaccines. The new COVID-19 flu shots are recommended for everyone over six months old. The RSV vaccine is advised for people aged 75 years and older, as well as those aged 60 to 74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV.

“As a former nurse practitioner who has prescribed vaccines for people and as a mother who ensures her own children get vaccinated, I believe it’s important that we follow the guidance recommended by the CDC,” said Director Phelps Finnie from Hardin County. “Flu, COVID-19 and RSV can have life-threatening consequences for children and vulnerable adults, but we can lessen that risk by taking advantage of the vaccinations that are available to us.”

The IDPH respiratory illness dashboard shows hospital admissions for COVID-19 are below 1 percent at 0.8% of admissions as of November 2nd data. However, acute respiratory illnesses account for 12.5% of admissions.

The dashboard also reports the first pediatric death linked to COVID-19 in the current respiratory virus season.

Two new FAQ documents providing guidance on vaccinations have been posted on the Department's website. Additionally, the CDC has launched a Respiratory Illness Data Channel offering nationwide county-specific information useful for travelers.

Public health leaders emphasize staying home when sick to reduce virus transmission. Anyone with symptoms like coughing or fever should self-isolate unless seeking medical care; if not possible, wearing a mask is advised.

IDPH officials highlight effective antiviral treatments available for COVID-19 and flu if started promptly after symptom onset.

For COVID-19 treatment must begin within five to seven days after symptoms appear; it's strongly recommended for those over 65 or at higher risk. Some residents may access free oral antivirals through Paxcess and Merck Helps programs.

Flu antiviral treatments work best within 48 hours of symptom onset; they require prescriptions particularly beneficial for high-risk groups such as older adults or young children.

Free testing locations under ICATT program can be found via federal testing locator online; free tests are also available through covidtests.gov website.

New vaccines widely accessible at pharmacies hospitals community clinics major chains offer online appointment scheduling assistance locating providers nearby via www.vaccines.gov

For uninsured individuals including children under Vaccine For Children Program provides no-cost options adults without coverage encouraged check local departments charitable clinics Community Health Centers