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February 17, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
As you begin to hear more about COVID-19 vaccinations and availability, please keep in mind that demand far exceeds supply. The City will continue to keep you updated on the vaccine rollout in Lake County in eNews and at cityhpil.com/vaccine.

News this week:
  • Although the State of Illinois has expanded eligible priority groups as part of Phase 1B, not all vaccination sites have the capacity to expand eligibility at this time. Check with each location to determine your eligibility before making an appointment.
  • Free COVID-19 testing will be available this upcoming Friday, February 19, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the Highland Park Country Club.
  • The ACA Health Insurance Marketplace is open for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) in response to COVID-19 from February 15 - May 15. Americans who are uninsured for any reason may purchase health insurance through the ACA marketplace. Individuals who are already insured through the ACA but would like to change their current plan may do so at this time as well. Virtual application assistance is available from Moraine Township; call 847.432.3240 for an appointment.
  • The COVID-19 variant first identified in South Africa has been detected in Illinois.
  • The CDC has updated its post-vaccination guidance.
  • LCHD has updated its quarantine guidelines. Based on the latest guidance from the CDC, LCHD has determined that a shortened 10-day quarantine period is acceptable if the person exposed to COVID-19 has not developed symptoms. LCHD continues to recommend that asymptomatic close contacts to a COVID-19 case ideally complete a 14-day quarantine period. If symptoms develop, the person in quarantine should get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible. If the test is positive, a person should isolate at home for 10 days from the date symptoms start. If symptoms persist despite a negative test, please contact your medical provider.
Recent Questions
My parents live out of state. Where can I find information to help them register for the vaccine?
The CDC's website includes state-by-state information for vaccine distribution. Use the drop-down menu to be immediately redirected to the state public health department you need.

I belong to an eligible group. Where can I look for appointments?
The State of Illinois has created an interactive map of locations offering vaccine appointments. While vaccine supply remains low, please check back at participating sites near you. Appointments may open (and fill) quickly.

The City’s Senior Center is regularly sharing information about vaccination as it becomes available. Visit cityhpil.com/seniorcenter to learn more about services provided to Highland Park's seniors.

How can I get a vaccine at Highland Park Hospital?
If you are an eligible NorthShore University HealthSystem patient, you will be notified through NorthShore Connect when it is time for you to schedule an appointment. Follow these steps to make sure your account is set up to receive notifications. 

Right now, NorthShore is scheduling vaccinations for its current patients. If you are not a NorthShore University HealthSystem patient, NorthShore is collecting contact information for those who would like to be vaccinated once the vaccination program expands. Click here to register to be notified by NorthShore when you can schedule an appointment.

Who can help me register for the AllVax portal?
For help registering with AllVax or related questions, reach out directly to the Lake County Health Department at 847.377.8130. LCHD is currently experiencing extremely high call volume. Please consider reaching out via email instead of by phone to AllVax@lakecountyil.gov.

Are volunteers needed to help with mass vaccination efforts?
Consider volunteering - in a medical or non-medical role - with the Lake County Medical Reserve Corps. Opportunities for individuals who do not hold a current medical license include traffic control, greeting/check-in, data entry, and remote customer support. Volunteer by emailing HLHealthEM@lakecountyil.gov or calling 847.377.8186.
COVID-19 Update from
Highland Park Hospital
Information from various news and social media sources can provide conflicting information on the effectiveness and safety of receiving a vaccination for COVID-19. 

Here are some concerns voiced by our community members:

Can I get COVD-19 from the vaccine?
No. While the vaccine doesn’t contain either live or dead virus, you may develop “flu-like” symptoms such as tiredness, fevers, or headaches after receiving one or both doses of the vaccine but these usually resolve within three days.

If someone has previously had COVID-19, should they get the vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that anyone who has had COVID-19 and recovered should be offered the vaccine. However, if you were treated for COVID-19 with specific medications (monoclonal antibodies) or convalescent plasma, the CDC recommends waiting at least 90 days before getting the vaccine.
 
Should women who are considering pregnancy, are currently pregnant, or breastfeeding get vaccinated?
The CDC’s Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices has stated that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are eligible to receive the vaccine. If you have specific questions, please reach out to your healthcare provider.

Additional COVID-19 myths are dispelled in Episode 10 of our weekly COVID Community Checkup.

For the most up-to-date information, visit NorthShore.org.

The City greatly appreciates the partnership of NorthShore University HealthSystem in providing these regular updates for our weekly eNews.
Vaccine Appointment Webinar
Finding Your Way Through the Vaccine Appointment Maze
February 22, 2021, 3:00 PM

The City of Highland Park presents a free webinar about navigating the vaccination registration and appointment process. Jill Dillingham from Tight-Ship Advisors shares insight on how to navigate the numerous options for finding and scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Attend the webinar using the following credentials:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98154780475
Dial-in by phone: 312.626.6799
Then enter Meeting ID: 981 5478 0475
CDC Issues New Mask Report
The CDC has stated that correct and consistent mask use is a critical step to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19. The CDC's new report provides helpful guidance in choosing the right mask. Look for two key features:

1) A snug fit against the face, covering the nose and mouth without gaps around the edges. Ways to improve fit include:
2) Multiple layers to prevent respiratory droplets from getting inside your mask or escaping from your mask. Try these suggestions:
  • Use a cloth mask with multiple layers of fabric
  • Wear a disposable mask underneath a cloth mask. The second mask should push the edges of the inner mask against your face.

Note: According to the CDC, if you choose to use a KN95 mask, only use one KN95 mask at a time. Do not combine a KN95 mask with any other mask. The CDC also advises against combining two disposable masks as this may not improve fit. Learn more.


CDC Issues Update About
COVID-19 Variants
A new CDC report describes eight recent Minnesota COVID-19 cases infected with the COVID-19 variant first detected in the U.K. This variant has also been detected in Illinois. None of the people in Minnesota infected with this variant had traveled to the U.K., but most were likely infected during recent domestic or international travel. With this variant spreading in the U.S. and other new variants emerging, the CDC reminds Americans that proven prevention steps are even more important:
  • Wear a well-fitting mask
  • Stay six feet apart from others
  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces
  • Postpone travel
  • Wash your hands often
  • Register to get a vaccine when it’s available to you - and after vaccination, continue to wear a mask, maintain a social distance from others, and wash your hands frequently.

Learn more from the CDC. Learn more about the City's travel recommendations.
Sourcing:

The City of Highland Park does not have its own health department. The information in this email is derived from the Lake County Health Department, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Questions pertaining to the distribution, scheduling, or administration of the vaccine should be directed to the Lake County Health Department. The City does not schedule appointments for or administer COVID-19 vaccines.
COVID-19 Resources