Thursday, December 24, 2020 Volume 1, Issue 43
(630) 682-7400 www.dupagehealth.org
COVID-19 VACCINE PRIORITIZATION

  • DCHD is working to prioritize vaccinations in alignment with the Phase 1a recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) which includes healthcare personnel (HCP)

  • HCP currently providing direct patient care services will receive top priority, pending vaccine supply

  • Vaccination is by appointment only and dependent on vaccine supply.

  • HCP will be required to present verification of their healthcare personnel status, i.e., employee ID badge, check stub, state licensure, or certificate.

  • Vaccination prioritization will continue to change as COVID-19 vaccine supply increases in the coming weeks.
Since the first 13,650 doses of COVID-19 vaccine arrived in DuPage County last Wednesday, DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) has worked to distribute the vaccine to local healthcare partners who have been vaccinating healthcare personnel in DuPage County. Over 10,000 healthcare personnel have been vaccinated so far.

As the vaccine supply increases additional vaccination opportunities are now available for healthcare personnel who are not affiliated with hospitals including Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Individuals and organizations who want to be notified about vaccination clinics should register for DCHD’s COVID-19 Vaccine Weekly Updates. This will allow the Health Department to reach back out to individuals and organizations when it is time for their vaccinations to be provided. DCHD expects that it will take several weeks to receive enough vaccine to vaccinate all healthcare personnel in DuPage County. DCHD will continue to provide updates on how and where individuals can sign up to register for vaccination appointments

DCHD expects that it will take several weeks to receive enough vaccine to vaccinate all healthcare personnel in DuPage County. DCHD will continue to provide updates on how and where individuals can sign up to register for vaccination appointments.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Every week, the DuPage County Health Department will be sharing the most frequently asked questions about the coronavirus pandemic to help educate and inform county residents.


Q. I am a healthcare professional, not affiliated with a local hospital system; when will COVID-19 vaccination be available for me?

A. All healthcare personnel (HCP) as defined by CDC fall under Phase 1a for COVID-19 vaccination. For at least the first 6-8 weeks, COVID-19 vaccination efforts by DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) are focusing on Phase 1a (including HCP), distributing received vaccine supply first to hospitals, as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health. DCHD is also finalizing Point of Dispensing (PODs) plans and locations; the schedule of these COVID-19 vaccination clinics for HCP is anticipated in 1-2 weeks. These vaccination clinics will be appointment-based, and more information will be posted as plans are finalized on DCHD’s COVID-19 vaccine page at www.dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccine. We’ll be actively promoting vaccination clinic information as our schedule is finalized and as we begin receiving vaccine allocation for non-hospital-associated HCP, who will be our focus at DCHD PODs/vaccination clinics. HCP currently providing direct patient care services will initially receive top priority, pending vaccine supply. At their appointment, HCP will be required to present verification of their healthcare personnel status, i.e., employee ID badge, check stub, state licensure, or certificate. Please sign up for weekly updates at www.dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccine.
DuPage County COVID-19
Vaccine Information Available on Website
The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) has launched a COVID-19 Vaccine webpage for the public to stay informed on the latest information regarding vaccine and plans for distribution. As more information becomes available, DCHD will update and share on its website and social media channels.

To view the COVID-19 Vaccine page, visit www.dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccine.

Also, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
COVID-19 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Schedule Changes for DuPage County’s COVID-19 Testing Sites

The operation schedules for the DuPage County COVID-19 Testing Sites in Wheaton and Villa Park will be modified to support COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts and observe the upcoming holidays. The drive-thru COVID-19 testing site in Wheaton will be closed beginning Thursday, December 24 through January 3, 2020. The DuPage County COVID-19 Testing Site in Villa Park will remain open with changes in hours of operation.

Below are the dates and hours of operation for both testing sites:
Anyone can be tested, and no appointment, doctor referral, or insurance is required. Visitors are encouraged to pre-register at testdirectly.com, but pre-registration does not guarantee testing or a place in line for that day. For more information about how to prepare before your visit and what to expect, visit www.dupagehealth.org/covid19testing.

The DuPage County Health Department offers two community-based drive-thru testing sites to residents. Anyone can be tested, and no appointment, doctor referral, or insurance is required. Visitors are encouraged to pre-register at testdirectly.com. Please note: Pre-registration does not guarantee testing or a place in line for that day.

421 N County Farm Rd, Wheaton, IL
Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to noon, or until test capacity is met.
NOTE: Holiday Hours listed above

1033 N. Villa Avenue, Villa Park, IL
Sunday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or until test capacity is met.
NOTE: Holiday Hours listed above

For more information, visit www.dupagehealth.org/covid19testing.
Testing Site Locations in DuPage County
The DuPage County Health Department reminds residents that there are various COVID-19 testing locations throughout DuPage County. For a list of testing locations near you including CVS and Physicians Immediate Care, visit the IDPH Testing webpage.

Additionally, Walgreens also offers COVID-19 testing.
Pillars Community Health
COVID-19 Testing in Willowbrook
Pillars Community Health offers drive-up testing for COVID-19 across the street from Burr Ridge Middle School in Burr Ridge.

Testing is restricted to people who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or who have had a close contact with a confirmed exposure. Limited tests available; an appointment IS REQUIRED: Call
708-PILLARS (708-745-5277) and follow the prompts.

VNA Health Care COVID-19 Testing
VNA Health Care offers COVID-19 testing by appointment only to new and existing patients with or without symptoms. 

Community mobile testing clinics are also available in Bensenville and West Chicago through VNA Health Care.

VNA Mobile Clinic at St. Alexis Catholic Church
400 W Wood Ave, Bensenville, IL, 60106

VNA Mobile Clinic at St. Andrew's Church
155 N Prince Crossing Rd, West Chicago, IL, 60185

To schedule an appointment, call (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455.

For more information or to view a list of additional VNA locations, visit www.vnahealth.com/covid-19-testing.
Flu Vaccine Voucher Program DuPage County
This year, it’s more important than ever to make sure everyone in your family gets a flu vaccine. Getting your flu shot will help to keep you, your family, and your community safe and can help you avoid co-infection of COVID-19 and the flu.

The DuPage Health Coalition is joining partners in DuPage County to make it easier for all of individuals to stay healthy and flu-free. With funding provided by DuPage County, DHC is offering free flu vaccine vouchers to uninsured DuPage County residents whose financial circumstances make it difficult to get their annual flu shot. 

Vouchers will be sent to individuals who request them (by email or mail) and can be redeemed at any DuPage County Walgreens until December 31st, while supplies last.

Learn more at www.accessdupage.org/flu
Illinois COVID-19 Hotline and Email Address
If you have questions about Coronavirus - Call the Illinois Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Hotline:

1 (800) 889-3931 or, send an email to: dph.sick@illinois.gov

Both are available anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Thursday, December 24, 2020 Volume 1, Issue 43
(630) 682-7400 www.dupagehealth.org