IDPH Reminds Illinoisans: It’s Time to Get Seasonal Respiratory Illness Immunizations

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding Illinoisans that it is time to get immunizations against seasonal respiratory illnesses, like flu, COVID-19, and RSV. The reminder comes after IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra received his annual flu and COVID-19 shots during a visit to the Winnebago County Health Department.

“The message today is simple and clear: the time to get your seasonal immunizations is now,” said Director Vohra. “Respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV will only get more prevalent in the weeks ahead. Getting protected now gives you the best chance of avoiding illness at the holidays and through the long winter months ahead. And it not only protect you, it also protect your family, your co-workers, and your community.”

According to IDPH’s Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard, Illinois is currently seeing low levels of respiratory illness activity. But there are signs that flu is on the rise. Historically, acute respiratory illnesses increase significantly during the winter months, when people spend more time indoors, making it easier for such illnesses to spread.

Immunization remains the best form of protection against contracting seasonal respiratory illness, and can lessen the severity of illness if you do contract it. Other preventive steps you can take include:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water - it is one of the most effective ways to reduce spread of illness.
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective if soap and water are not available.
• Minimize close contact with sick people.
• Stay home when you are ill.
• When you are ill, allow a few feet of distance from others.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue but not your hand.
• When you are ill, you may also wear a surgical-type mask when around others.

In September, IDPH issued its fall respiratory virus immunization guidance for children, adults, and pregnant individuals. The fall immunization guidance was adopted by IDPH based on recommendations made by the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee (IL-IAC), a group of 20 highly qualified experts spanning infectious diseases, pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, nursing, pharmacy, and public health.

Director Vohra noted that individuals can get their shots for flu, COVID-19, and RSV (where recommended) at the same time, making it easier to get full protection against the most common seasonal illnesses. He also pointed out that it can take some time for immunizations to become fully effective, making it important to get the shots as soon as possible before seasonal illnesses become more prevalent, and ahead of large gatherings at the holidays.

The Director received his flu and COVID-19 shots on Tuesday, October 27, at the Winnebago County Health Department (WCHD). He and WCHD Administrator Dr. Sandra Martell were joined by representatives of many Rockford-area health care providers, who joined them in echoing the message of the importance of timely immunization against seasonal respiratory illness.

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