The Illinois Department of Public Health announced that although COVID hospitalizations are at a low level across the state, Illinoisans should go ahead and start to protect themselves from the COVID-19 virus and other respiratory illnesses. According to the CDC, all Illinois counties are currently at a low level for COVID-19 hospitalizations and the total number of hospitalizations for the week was at 566 across the state down almost 14 percent. As fall begins, IDPH will continue to monitor the data. They are also looking at other respiratory illnesses including flu and RSV.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended newly reformulated COVID-19 shots for everyone over 6 months. The federal agencies have given the green light for these vaccinations and these shots target the newest strains of COVID. The CDC says these new shots are safe when given at the same time as other vaccines for flu and RSV.
Studies have shown that COVID-19 vaccinations lower the risk of getting COVID and improve protection against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. For those who are uninsured or under-insured, the CDC launched a “Bridge Access Program” that will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines this fall. There is also a program for children called the “Vaccines for Children Program.”
Find additional information at https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19.html. You can also visit www.covid.gov.
