IDPH Welcomes CDC Recommendations for RSV
Shots for Pregnant Illinoisans, Infants & Seniors
Illinois is Entering Respiratory
Virus Season with Protection Available for Three Illnesses Behind Last
Winter’s Tripledemic
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[September 29, 2023]
The
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today endorsed the
recommendation by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
(ACIP) for the newly FDA-approved vaccine for RSV that can be
administered during weeks 32 to 36 of pregnancy to protect babies from
the virus. This followed recommendations earlier this year for a
preventive RSV treatment for infants up to 8 months and toddlers at high
risk, and an RSV vaccine for people over 60.
IDPH urges those who are pregnant to consult with their doctor about
whether they should receive the vaccine while pregnant or instead
provide the preventive treatment for their newborn after birth. If the
vaccine is received during pregnancy, infants will be protected and not
need the preventive treatment after birth.
As fall begins, IDPH is closely monitoring data on COVID-19 as well as
other respiratory viruses including flu and RSV. The latest data shows
that new hospitalizations for COVID-19 remain at a low level across the
state, with 671 new hospitalizations in the week ending September 16, an
uptick of 5.7 percent from the previous week. There are currently 15
Illinois counties at a medium level for COVID-19 hospitalizations
according to the CDC national dashboard, meaning they exceed ten new
cases per 100,000 population in the last week.
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IDPH is urging Illinoisans to take advantage of the
protection that is available from all three of the respiratory viruses
that were responsible for last winter’s tripledemic that caused a strain
on resources in many hospitals, COVID-19, flu and RSV.
“As October approaches and the weather begins to change, it is important
for all Illinois residents to prepare for the upcoming fall and winter
virus seasons,” said IDPH Director, Dr. Sameer Vohra. “The good news is
that we now have vaccines available for the three respiratory viruses –
COVID-19, RSV and flu – that were responsible for 2022’s tripledemic.
These new and updated vaccines are powerful tools that can protect you
and your loved ones by helping preventing hospitalizations and severe
health outcomes.”
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Earlier this month, the CDC recommended newly reformulated COVID-19
shots for everyone over the age of 6 months. The federal agencies have
given the green light for updated mRNA vaccines developed by Moderna and
Pfizer that target the currently circulating strains of the COVID-19
virus.
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These newly approved shots are considered safe when
given at the same time as other vaccines for the flu and RSV.
IDPH has set up a mobile response team to respond and
provide COVID-19 vaccination services for long term care facilities
throughout the state. Studies
have consistently shown that COVID-19 vaccines lower the risk of
getting symptomatic COVID-19 and improve protection against serious
illness, hospitalization and death. Most Americans can still get a
COVID-19 vaccine for free. For people with health insurance, most
plans will cover the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. People who don’t
have health insurance or with health plans that do not cover the
cost can get a free vaccine from their local health centers and
pharmacies.
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For those who are uninsured or under-insured, the CDC
this summer launched the Bridge Access Program that will cover the
cost of COVID-19 vaccines this fall. The Vaccines for Children
Program will cover vaccines for eligible children.
In June, ACIP recommended use of a single dose of RSV
vaccine for persons 60 years of age and older. In August, ACIP also
recommended a new preventive measure against RSV for infants under 8
months and toddlers at high risk, a new monoclonal antibody shot
called nirsevimab. Data showed that the treatment was highly
effective, reducing hospitalizations in the age group by 77 percent.
On September 22, ACIP recommended seasonal administration of one
dose of RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy, to
maximize protection for babies after birth.
For treatment of COVID-19, Illinoisans who experience symptoms can
access no cost-share telehealth services through the SIU School of
Medicine Covid Test to Treat services or call (217) 545-5100.
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Illinois has more than 200,000 courses of effective
therapeutic medications, including Paxlovid and Molnupiravir,
available through providers and pharmacies that will continue to be
provided free of charge until supplies run out.
The CDC recently launched a new national respiratory
virus dashboard that allows the public to view the levels of
COVID-19, flu and RSV in each state.
Additional resources and COVID-19 data can be found at https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19.html.
The federal government has established a website that provides an
all-purpose toolkit with information on how to obtain masks,
treatment, vaccines and testing resources for all areas of the
country at: https://www.covid.gov/.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |