Thursday, December 31, 2020 ● Volume 1, Issue 44
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COVID-19 VACCINE PRIORITIZATION
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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).
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HCP currently providing direct patient care services will receive top priority, pending vaccine supply.
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Vaccination is by appointment only and dependent on vaccine supply.
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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.
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Since the first doses of vaccine were received on December 16, DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) and the health systems serving DuPage County are working to vaccinate as many healthcare personnel as possible as the vaccine supply increases. DCHD will be reporting the total number of vaccines distributed and administered in the county in the coming week. DCHD began vaccinating healthcare personnel on December 21 and is adding about 1,500 appointments each week to make vaccine available to any DuPage County healthcare personnel ready to be vaccinated, who are not able to be vaccinated through a hospital or health system. DCHD is also working to expand the number of vaccination sites in the county available to ensure residents can access vaccine.
The DCHD COVID-19 vaccine clinics are available by appointment only for EMS and other healthcare personnel (e.g., dentists, physical therapists, hospice workers, home health care) who are not affiliated with hospitals. Any personnel in this category should register for the COVID-19 Vaccine Weekly Update. This allows the Health Department to share weekly updates and contact individuals and organizations with opportunities to schedule an appointment as additional vaccine becomes available and in anticipation of a statewide registration system being rolled out. All healthcare personnel who schedule an appointment with DCHD will be required to present verification of their healthcare personnel status, i.e., employee ID badge, check stub, state licensure, or certificate at the time of their appointment.
Healthcare personnel who are affiliated with a health system are advised to contact their health system to coordinate vaccination. Currently, healthcare systems are working through their staff members and affiliated healthcare staff to assure adequate coverage across the community.
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Building Vaccine Confidence
in Health Systems and Clinics
Tips for Immunization Coordinators
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In addition to providing information about COVID-19 vaccines, safety monitoring, and elements of vaccine confidence, this presentation focuses on what immunization coordinators can do to build vaccine confidence within their health system or clinic.
Download the presentation:
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For Physicians & Nurses: Answers to COVID-19 Vaccination Questions for HCPs
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We are joining forces with the Ad Council, the COVID Collaborative, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) along with top health and medical organizations to support healthcare professional’s efforts to address patient questions about COVID-19 vaccines. Resources are available to help healthcare professionals ease concerns, guide conversations, and instill confidence in the vaccination efforts at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19. We’re in this together.
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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.
How can you best prepare to address patient questions about COVID-19 vaccines?
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Physicians and nurses are valuable sources of information for their patients on vaccines and are critical to vaccine acceptance. Physicians and nurses should take the time to answer questions and have conversations about the importance of vaccines in protecting the individual health of their patients as well as the health of communities. To review answers to common patient questions, visit Answering Patients’ Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC
Once the first and second doses are given, can patients resume normal day-to-day social activities?
- After receiving the vaccine, people should still wear masks and practice social distancing. These steps will continue to ensure we can help slow the spread even after someone has been vaccinated.
Is there training available for health care professionals on COVID-19 vaccine administration?
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CDC is developing educational and training materials for health care professionals related to COVID-19 vaccine storage, handling and administration based on Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, the ACIP General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization, product information from vaccine manufacturers, and results of scientific studies.
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DuPage County COVID-19
Vaccine Information Available on Website
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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.
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COVID-19 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES |
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DuPage County COVID-19 Testing Sites |
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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 below
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 below
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 from Thursday, December 24 through January 3, 2020. The DuPage County COVID-19 Testing Site in Villa Park will have modified hours on Dec. 31 and close Jan. 1-2.
Below are the dates and hours of operation for both testing sites:
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Testing Site Locations in DuPage County |
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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.
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Pillars Community Health
COVID-19 Testing in Willowbrook
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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.
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VNA Health Care COVID-19 Testing |
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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.
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Flu Vaccine Voucher Program DuPage County |
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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.
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Illinois COVID-19 Hotline and Email Address |
If you have questions about Coronavirus - Call the Illinois Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Hotline:
Both are available anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Thursday, December 31, 2020 ● Volume 1, Issue 44
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