Westmont, Illinois -- Date Issued: December 28, 2021
Governor JB Pritzker has directed the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to enhance their partnerships with local health departments throughout the state to help meet the growing demand for the COVID-19 vaccine booster. The State of Illinois is adding more than 100 people to regional sites to assist with administering vaccinations, preparing vaccine doses for clinic personnel, and performing data entry.
Additionally, starting the week of January 3, the state’s free Community Based Testing Sites will begin operating six days a week to increase COVID-19 testing availability. In addition to the increased testing, the effort includes continuing distribution of monoclonal antibodies, antiviral pills and treatments, and disbursement of personal protective equipment.
“We have a vaccine that is highly effective at preventing severe illness and death,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Currently, we are seeing a demand for booster doses, but it is critically important for those who have yet to receive even one dose of vaccine to get vaccinated. The vast majority of cases, hospitalization, and deaths are among those who are not vaccinated. COVID-19 can be prevented through vaccination so get vaccinated and get boosted.”
In recent weeks, the State of Illinois partnered with Cook County Health to offer two one-day booster clinics, resulting in about 7,000 shots administered.
Appointments can be made via the DuPage County COVID-19 Vaccine webpage. Anyone age 12 and older who is in need of a first or second dose may also utilize this free signup program.
DuPage County: www.dupagehealth.org/667/COVID-19-Vaccine
COVID-19 VACCINATION BOOSTER INFORMATION
While adults (age 18 and older) have the ability to mix-and-match their booster vaccine, 16- and 17-year-olds are only authorized to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech booster. Following is specific information regarding the various booster vaccinations that are available.
PFIZER-BIONTECH
- 16 years and older
- Six months after second Pfizer-BioNTech dose
MODERNA
- 18 years and older
- Six months after second Moderna dose
JOHNSON & JOHNSON
- 18 years and older
- 2 months after initial vaccination
Visit vaccines.gov to find a vaccination clinic near you.
As people gather indoors with family and friends for the holidays, state and local health officials urge residents to continue practicing preventive public health measures: vaccinations, booster shots, wearing masks, avoiding large crowds and social distancing where possible all remain our most effective tools for fighting COVID-19.
Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the Omicron variant is the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the United States with more than 73 percent of new cases attributable to the variant.
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