According to the CDC’s national COVID Data Tracker, all Illinois counties are currently at a low level for COVID-19 hospitalizations. As fall begins, IDPH is continuing to closely monitor data on COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses including flu and RSV.
“As the leaves begin to change and fall is in full swing, now is the best time to protect yourself and your loved ones from the three respiratory viruses that caused last year’s tripledemic,” said IDPH Director, Dr. Sameer Vohra. “I am happy to report that all Illinois counties are at a low level for COVID-19 hospitalizations. However, we are beginning to see an increase in RSV activity, which will likely be followed by flu and COVID-19 over the coming weeks and months. Protecting yourself and your loved ones now will ensure protection throughout the fall/winter respiratory virus season. We are fortunate to have tools this season to protect Illinois residents from COVID-19, flu, and RSV.”
Last month, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) 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. They also have recently approved an updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.
These newly approved shots are considered safe when given at the same time as other vaccines for the flu and RSV.
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, the CDC’s 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. ACIP recommended seasonal administration of one dose of RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy, to maximize protection for babies after birth.
