 Heading
into the fall, IDPH is closely monitoring data on COVID-19 as well
as other respiratory viruses including flu and RSV. The federal
guidance comes as data indicates an uptick in COVID-19
hospitalizations in Illinois and the nation, with a seven percent
increase statewide in the week ending September 2, the most recent
period for which data is available. There are currently 12 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.
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.
“Illinois now has a new tool to prepare our residents for the fall
and winter respiratory season: an updated COVID-19 vaccine that
targets current strains” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “I
recommend the updated vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. These
shots will help prevent hospitalizations and severe outcomes and are
especially important for those who are over 65, immunocompromised,
or have chronic medical conditions.”
Director Vohra noted that heading into the fall
and winter virus seasons, there are vaccines available for the three
respiratory viruses that were responsible for the most
hospitalizations and last winter’s tripledemic of COVID-19, RSV, and
flu.
On Tuesday, the CDC advisory panel recommended the new COVID-19
vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer for everyone over the age
of 6 months. The FDA has provided full approval for the Moderna and
Pfizer vaccines for ages 12 and over. It issued an Emergency Use
Authorization (EUA) for the vaccines for age groups from 5 months to
11 years old.
The former versions of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are no longer
authorized and may no longer be used for what was once considered
the primary series, or as booster shots. Those who have never
received previous COVID-19 vaccination, are also eligible for the
updated shots.
These newly approved shots are considered safe
when given at the same time as other vaccines for the flu and RSV.
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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.
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 treatment for RSV for infants under 8 months, a new
monoclonal antibody shot. Data showed that the treatment was highly
effective, reducing hospitalizations in the age group by 77 percent.
For treatment, Illinoisans who experience Covid-19 symptoms can
access no cost-share telehealth services through the
SIU School of Medicine Covid Test to Treat services or call
(217) 545-5100.
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.
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]
COVID-19
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