Chicago Department of Public Health gives update about respiratory diseases

Dr. Jacqueline Tiema-Massie is the Chicago Department of Public Health Immunization Program Director. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CDPH.
Dr. Jacqueline Tiema-Massie is the Chicago Department of Public Health Immunization Program Director. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CDPH.

Chicago Department of Public Health gives update about respiratory diseases

By Tia Carol Jones

Chicago Department of Public Health is monitoring three respiratory diseases this Fall: COVID-19, RSV and Influenza. On Monday, Sept. 25th, the Chicago Department of Public Health gave an update on those diseases and where to get vaccinated.

The new and updated COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration. These new vaccines are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Chicago Department of Health.

According to Dr. Brian Borah, Medical Director for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Surveillance at Chicago Department of Public Health, COVID-19, RSV, Influenza and other respiratory viral activity in Chicago is fairly low. However, it is expected the levels will increase in the coming weeks as the weather gets colder and people move indoors.

“Our most important recommendation is that everybody six months of age and older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine and a new flu shot this year. These are the two best ways to prevent severe illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths due to these two illnesses,” Borah said.

Borah said that for a number of weeks, COVID-19 activity in Chicago and Cook County remains low. But, there has been a slight increase in some COVID-19 activity. He added that COVID-19 is a disease that still has the potential to cause sickness, hospitalizations and deaths in all age groups. CDPH continues to monitor COVID-19 and its rate of activity. When focusing in on community areas, the South and West sides of the city have relatively higher levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations.

When it comes to Flu and RSV, Borah said those continue to remain at low levels across the city. But, he added as the weather gets colder and people have holiday celebrations with family and friends, the rates are expected to increase. He said because of these reasons, people should be prepared.

Dr. Jacqueline Tiema-Massie, Chicago Department of Public Health Immunization Program Director, said that vaccines are still the best way to prevent hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 and Flu. She reiterated what Borah said about the getting the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines, that everyone six months and older should get the vaccine.

Tiema-Massie said those age 5 and older should get one dose of the updated Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19. Children younger than age 5 might need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines to be up to date, which include one dose of the new COVID-19 vaccine.

 People who are moderately and severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Parents with children younger than age 5, are recommended to talk to their children’s healthcare provider regarding vaccines. Those who are immunocompromised should also check in with their healthcare provider about vaccine doses. For the flu vaccine, it is recommended that everyone older than six months get the vaccine.

Vaccines are available at healthcare provider offices. Now, the COVID-19 vaccine is not broadly free. Insurance status will be required to get the new COVID-19 vaccines. Those underinsured or uninsured can go to CDPH immunizations walk-in clinics to get the vaccine. The City of Chicago will host vaccine events. Some pharmacies will have access to COVID-19 vaccines for those who are uninsured and underinsured.

For more information about where to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine or Flu vaccine, visit https://tinyurl.com/mrxchjec.

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