Illinois Health Leaders Lead by Example, Get Vaccinated Ahead of Holiday Season

In a proactive move ahead of the holidays, the heads of two Illinois state agencies rolled up their sleeves for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at a local clinic, signaling the beginning of a push for increased immunization rates in the state. Dr. Sameer Vohra, the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, and Natalie Phelps Finnie, Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, received their shots at an event held in Southern Illinois, according to an official release by the

Illinois Department of Public Health

.

Despite the current minimal levels of respiratory illness in Illinois, officials are bracing for an uptick as people start congregating indoors for Thanksgiving gatherings. “With the Thanksgiving Holiday fast approaching, I want to remind everyone that it takes about two weeks for vaccinations to provide their full level of protection,”

Dr. Vohra emphasized in the statement

. Phelps Finnie, who also hails from Hardin County and has a nursing background, echoed the sentiment, underscoring the serious risk illnesses like flu, COVID-19 and RSV pose to children and adults with vulnerabilities, “but we can lessen that risk by taking advantage of the vaccinations that are available to us.”

The vaccination campaign comes as the FDA and CDC have updated their guidelines on who can receive the RSV vaccines and approved new vaccines for COVID-19 and the flu. All individuals over the age of six months are urged to get the flu shot, while specific age and risk groups have been identified for the RSV vaccine. Moreover, the IDPH has addressed the season’s first pediatric COVID-19 death, a stark reminder of the potential severity of respiratory illnesses.

While hospital admissions for COVID-19 sit relatively low at 0.8% of admissions, Acute Respiratory Illness accounts for a more concerning 12.5% of total admissions, the

state’s health dashboard

reports. The public is encouraged to stay home when sick, and seek testing and early treatment if necessary – critical for the effectiveness of antiviral medications. Eligible Illinoisans might even access free oral antivirals through specific programs, addressing the COVID-19 challenge comprehensively.

Information on testing sites and vaccinations is readily available, ensuring that accessible healthcare measures are within reach for most residents. The IDPH is actively guiding uninsured residents to possible healthcare options, including the Vaccines for Children Program offering no-cost vaccines for kids under 18. The focus remains on preparedness and prevention, with health officials urging Illinoisans to use the extensive resources available to safeguard against the upcoming seasonal wave of respiratory illnesses.

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