Yesterday, in a news release from the State, Dr.
Ngozi Ezike, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health
stated, “The pandemic is not over and as long as the virus is
allowed to circulate, it can mutate and form new variants. We need
to slow the virus’ activity – and the best way to do that is through
vaccination.”
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health database, in
Logan County, 37.97% of people ages 16-64 are fully vaccinated
compared to 77.94% of people 65 and older. Although statewide, Logan
County ranks far from the bottom in this category, there is still
room for improvement as many citizens remain unvaccinated. LCDPH
continues to offer immunization clinics and encourages citizens to
enroll as time slots are available. There is no out-of-pocket charge
for the vaccine. You can register to receive your vaccine by going
the health department website at WWW.LCDPH.ORG to enroll for a
clinic. If you do not have internet access, you can call the health
department at 217-735-2317 to make an appointment.
On June 17, 2021, the State announced they are launching a $10
million “All In for the Win” promotion to reward Illinois residents
who have been vaccinated. Illinois residents who have received at
least one COVID-19 vaccine dose are automatically entered into a
lottery for $7 million in cash prizes for adults, which includes
prizes of up to $1 million, and $3 million in scholarships for
youth.
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There are no sign ups or forms needed to enter.
The first drawing takes place July 8th. People are encouraged to get
vaccinated before July 1st to ensure they are entered into every
drawing. For more details regarding the State of Illinois reward
program including the drawing schedule, visit their website at
www.allin.illinois.gov.
In addition to the Illinois reward program, LCDPH
is offering free Six Flags tickets to vaccine recipients ages 12-15
but supplies are limited.
As phase 5 continues, LCDPH is encouraging those who are not fully
vaccinated to continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing
when in public as recommended per Centers for Disease Control &
Prevention and Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines.
LCDPH continues to encourage everyone to get vaccinated and to take
advantage of the clinics they are offering. For more information on
how you can get vaccinated, visit their website at WWW.LCDPH.ORG or
call them at 217-735-2317.
[Don Cavi, MS, LEHP
Public Health Administrator
Logan County Department of Public Health] |