September 26, 2022
For immediate release

DuPage County Downgraded to “Low” Community Level

Vaccination is necessary to increase protection

DuPage County – This week, reported COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations continue to decline overall across DuPage County. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) moved DuPage County to the “low” community level on Thursday (September 22, 2022), with an average rate of new COVID-19 infections of 200 per 100,000 residents over the past seven years. has fallen below the threshold of There have been fewer than 10 new COVID-19 hospitalizations per 100,000 in the last seven days, and the pace continues to slow. As of September 22, 2022, DuPage County has reported 117 cases per 100,000 residents in the past seven days.

Nearly 78% of residents in DuPage County are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and 60% of the fully vaccinated population receive their first booster dose, according to the CDC. According to Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) vaccination data, in DuPage County, 77% of youth ages 12-17 are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and children ages 5-11 are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. only 54% of the population are fully vaccinated. Worryingly, even lower rates across all age groups are currently receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Low vaccination coverage continues to increase the risk of preventable infections, which not only leads to serious illness, hospitalization and death, but also increases the spread of her COVID-19 in homes, schools, gatherings and communities. has been shown to lead to

Karen Ayala, executive director of the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) said: “It is important to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines, make sure you are vaccinated against the flu, and take precautions to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community from the disease.”

This fall, all residents aged 6 months and older are required to get their annual flu shot and stay up to date with the COVID-19 vaccine. For residents over the age of 12, especially those over the age of 50, who have underlying medical conditions, and/or who have high-risk family members, this includes a new, renewed dose known as a bivalent booster. including her COVID-19 vaccination. The bivalent booster is the first update of the original COVID-19 vaccine and is designed to increase protection against the predominant Omicron subspecies BA.4/BA.5.

All residents age 12 and older who have completed the primary vaccine series are eligible to receive a new bivalent booster vaccine two months after the most recent vaccine or booster.

The DuPage County Department of Health (DCHD) reminds residents that they have tools to stay healthy, especially as indoor gatherings may increase as temperatures drop.

Residents are advised to:

• • keep up to date With COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.Vaccinated people can become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, but keeping the COVID-19 vaccine up to date reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death from COVID-19. drops significantly.
  • Get vaccinated against influenza Before Halloween on October 31st^st.
  • Wear the most protective mask possible Fits well and can be worn consistently. Wear a high-filtration mask indoors if you are at high risk of severe illness. Examples of high-filtration masks include N95, KN95, and KN94 masks.
  • Stay home and get tested if you have symptoms.
  • If you test positive for COVID-19, isolate yourself at home Stay away from other people for at least 5 days and consult a doctor. treatment options straight away.
  • wash hands frequently Or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Individuals wishing to book an appointment for the bivalent vaccine for COVID-19 and influenza vaccination can visit www.vaccines.gov Identify nearby healthcare providers or contact your primary healthcare provider. To book a DCHD Clinic appointment for COVID-19 vaccination, or community opportunities to provide vaccination, please visit www.dupagehealth.org/667/COVID-19-Vaccine.

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