COVID-19 News Update
MARCH 18th, 2022
Over the past two years, COVID-19 has understandably overshadowed the operations of the Will County Health Department. During this time, all the functions of our health department continued to operate, although in a modified manner; in person visits may have been replaced with a phone call or video connection. Picking up supplies or documents may have been completed with a quick hand-off.
As we monitor the declining COVID-19 community levels with both excitement and caution, we eagerly prepare to return to our usual duties and service to Will County residents, without the cloud of COVID-19 directing our decisions and actions.
This upcoming change shifts our attention from COVID-19 to directing our resources based on the needs of the county and the WCHD strategic plan. Some initial changes will include:
- Reshaping the WCHD website to create comfortable and easy access to useful WCHD resources.
- An end to the WCHD COVID-19 mass vaccination clinics.
- Transitioning COVID-19 needs such as immunization (vaccinations) and contact tracing into existing WCHD departments.
- Specifically, we will be closing our current WCHD COVID-19 clinics sometime in April, however, we will continue to offer COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment through our immunization department and community health center.
- Encouraging the residents of Will County to utilize the vast resources available within the health department.
- An invitation to visit and witness the usefulness and function of our new building that the residents of Will County have provided.
- An updated resource guide, available in English and Spanish, outlining WCHD programs and services and including how to access services.
A silver lining from this pandemic is that the awareness of public health has been revived. In her opening letter for the 2020 Annual Report, Will County Health Department Executive Director, Susan Olenek stated, “this past year has put public health at the forefront of our lives. Recommendations public health has been making for decades are now common mantras.” Over the past two years, our relationship with county residents has been greatly expanded. We encourage individuals to maintain that connection for the benefit of their health and that of the greater Will County community.
MISSION OF THE WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
To prevent disease and promote a healthier environment for all residents, business operators, and visitors. Our agency of professionally trained staff work cohesively to assure public health and safety measures are maintained through services and programs the department provides based on the needs of the community.
ROLES WITHIN THE LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Source: National Association of County and City Health Officials
Emergency Preparedness and Response Team & Volunteer Efforts Shine!
WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS VOLUNTEERS DONATED OVER 10,000 HOURS
At the end February, Will County Health Department’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers had donated 10,040 hours valued at $379,074.00 during the COVID-19 response mission, and those numbers continue to grow.
Barbara Agor, Emergency Preparedness and Response Specialist and MRC Volunteer Coordinator has been instrumental in overseeing the volunteer efforts for Will County Health Department (WCHD). During the pandemic, staffing at most organizations proved difficult. The dedication of the WCHD MRC volunteers made scheduling over 200 on-site clinics and over 60 off-site clinics significantly more manageable.
At the start of the pandemic, the health department introduced a COVID-19 hotline to answer the extensive number of calls from residents who were trying to understand the novel virus and its impact. Many of the health department’s MRC volunteers worked the hotline, answering calls and sharing information about the virus. Upon approval of vaccines, the MRC volunteers transitioned to the vaccination clinics and continue to this day. In addition to providing support at the mass vaccination sites in Joliet, Wilmington, and Monee, the dedicated volunteers have also traveled throughout the county working at numerous vaccine clinics held at various business locations, schools, religious organizations, and community events.
Mrs. Agor said, “Our volunteers are heroes. When many people were understandably concerned for their own well-being or that of their family, our volunteers freely stepped forward and gave of themselves. Throughout the past two years and among countless changes, they continue to show up with a smile and a kind word to assist the residents of Will County. Without compensation or media recognition, our volunteers continue to offer their time and talents and their efforts continue to save lives.”
The WCHD MRC volunteers have been, and continue to be, an integral part of the health department’s COVID-19 response. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic there were approximately 215 MRC volunteers registered with Will County Health Department. During the pandemic, many residents of Will County felt compelled to volunteer. Currently, WCHD has approximately 330 Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, gaining approximately 115 new volunteers during this response mission.
Will County Health Department is very proud of the commitment and grateful for the dedication demonstrated by the Medical Reserve Corps volunteers during this pandemic. Thank you, MRC volunteers! If you are interested in becoming an MRC volunteer, email Barbara Agor at bagor@willcountyhealth.org.
CDC CHANGES METHOD TO MONITOR COVID-19 LEVELS
On February 25, 2022, the CDC rolled out an updated approach to monitoring the levels of COVID-19 in communities throughout the United States. The new measure, Community COVID-19 Level, is determined by the evaluation of three metrics: new hospitalizations for COVID-19, current hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients, and new COVID-19 cases. Community COVID-19 levels are reported as high, medium, or low and are represented by colors dark orange, yellow and green. The Community COVID-19 Level will guide communities in determining the necessary COVID-19 prevention mitigations.
The new approach, according to CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, moves away from simply monitoring the number of COVID-19 cases and test positivity rates, to evaluating factors that reflect the community-based severity of COVID-19 including hospitalizations and hospital capacity. It focuses prevention efforts towards protecting those who are at high risk of developing a severe illness from COVID-19 and preventing hospitals and healthcare systems from becoming overwhelmed.
For more detailed information, the CDC media telebriefing can be read here.
The CDC also provides an overview of these changes and an interactive graph to determine community COVID-19 levels by county, throughout the United States.
Beginning March 14, 2022, the hours of operation of the COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Ella Ave. in Joliet will change as follows:
501 Ella Avenue, Joliet, IL 60433
• Tuesdays: 1:30-5:30pm
• Thursdays: 9:00am-5:30pm
323 Quadrangle Drive, Bolingbrook, IL 60440
• Wednesdays: 10:00am–5:30pm
GETTING VACCINATED AND BEING UP-TO-DATE WITH ALL DOSES REMAINS MOST EFFECTIVE AGAINST COVID-19 ILLNESS AND SPREAD
Being vaccinated is the best defense against COVID-19 illness and being up to date with all your COVID-19 vaccines provides the best ongoing protection against severe illness and hospitalization. You also benefit the community by reducing the likelihood of virus transmission.
Up-to-date means you have received your primary doses and booster doses when eligible. If you are immunocompromised, an additional 3rd dose should be received 28 days following your primary dose series. For more detail, click here.
CDC recommends changes to timing of 2nd dose vaccine for the general population
The CDC has recommended changes to the timing of the 2nd dose, COVID-19 vaccine. New data suggests that an 8-week interval for some people ages 12 years and older may result in a better immune response. This change is also recommended for males between the ages of 12 and 39 to further reduce the relatively small risk of myocarditis.
The previously suggested 3 or 4 week interval is still recommended for those who have moderate to severe immunocompromised conditions, adults age 65 and older, and others who need rapid protection due to concern about risk of severe illness.
Click here to view the vaccination timeline schedules for all COVID-19 vaccines.
CDC has revised its COVID-19 vaccination guidance for individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
The new guidance indicates that the booster dose (4th dose) should be received at least 3 months after the completion of the primary, 3-dose mRNA vaccine series. This has changed from the previous 5-month recommendation. This revision is based on studies demonstrating the effectiveness of the body’s ability to provoke an adequate immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
For individuals who received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine please consult the CDC website or contact our call center at 815-774-7386.
Keep Them Handy!
While masking requirements have eased in Will County and many areas throughout nation, masks continue to be one of the most effective ways to prevent spreading and becoming infected with COVID-19. Masks will continue to be part of the layered prevention strategy, especially during times of high Community COVID-19 levels.
Individuals who are ill with COVID-19, live with or are caring for someone who has COVID-19, should wear a mask. Additionally, wearing a mask is recommended for individuals who are more likely to experience severe illness with COVID-19 such as the elderly and those with immunocompromised conditions.
What type of mask is best? Generally, a mask that fits snugly around your face to prevent air leaks and a mask that is comfortable so that you will be more likely to wear it consistently.
COVID-19 VACCINE:
THIRD DOSE & BOOSTER
for IMMUNOCOMPROMISED
CDC Updates Interim Clinical Considerations for Booster Doses for Immunocompromised Individuals
The CDC has updated its recommendations for vaccine doses for people with moderate or severe immunocompromised conditions. Review the chart below or click here for more detailed information.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN ADDITIONAL PRIMARY SERIES VACCINATION (3RD DOSE)?
Currently, CDC is recommending that moderately to severely immunocompromised people ages 5 and up receive an additional dose. This includes people who have:
- Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
If your condition or medication isn’t on this list and you think you have a weakened immune system, talk to your healthcare provider about your medical condition and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate.
3-Dose Primary Series Plus Booster for Immunocompromised
A Third dose is NOT a booster dose!
CDC’s COVID-19, vaccination guidance includes a 4-dose mRNA vaccination series for individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. CDC recommends that some moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals should get an additional primary dose 28 days following the 2nd dose; this would be considered the 3rd dose. Additionally, a booster dose (4th dose) should be received at least 3 months after completion of the primary, 3-dose, mRNA vaccine series. Booster doses are only for ages 12+. This revision is based on studies demonstrating the effectiveness of the body’s ability to provoke an adequate immune response.
If you received Johnson and Johnson as your first dose, please contact our call center to schedule any future vaccinations as new criteria for additional doses exists.
More information on 3rd and booster doses for immunocompromised can be found here.
WHEN ARE YOU ELIGIBLE
Individuals with immunocompromised conditions can use the CDC reference below to determine the timeframe for COVID-19 vaccinations. 3-dose mRNA primary series. In general, the same mRNA vaccine product (i.e., the same manufacturer) should be used for all doses in the primary series.
†An 8-week interval may be optimal for some people ages 12 years and older, especially for males ages 12 to 39 years. A shorter interval (3 weeks for Pfizer-BioNTech; 4 weeks for Moderna) between the first and second doses remains the recommended interval for: people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised; adults ages 65 years and older; and others who need rapid protection due to increased concern about community transmission or risk of severe disease.
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is FDA-approved or FDA-authorized in people ages 5 years and older.
Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine is FDA-approved or FDA-authorized in people ages 18 years and older.
BOOSTER DOSES FOR IMMUNOCOMPROMISED INDIVIDUALS
Everyone 12 years and older, including immunocompromised people, should get a booster shot. Individuals with immunocompromised conditions should complete their 3-dose mRNA primary series before receiving their booster dose. Booster doses are recommended at least 3 months following completion of your primary series vaccination.
Click here for the COVID-19 vaccination timeline for immunocompromised individuals.
Returning for your 2nd or booster dose?
You MUST bring your COVID-19 vaccination record card to your vaccination appointment. If you lost your vaccination record, you MUST request a new card prior to arriving for a vaccination appointment.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR IMMUNOCOMPROMISED INDIVIDUALS
While vaccination is likely to increase protection in this population, individuals who are immunocompromised should always consult with their healthcare provider for guidance. Even after vaccination, immunocompromised individuals should continue following the current prevention measures including wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others they do not live with, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces to protect themselves and those around them against COVID-19.
OUR HOURS HAVE CHANGED BUT WE ARE STILL HERE FOR YOUR FIRST DOSE OF COVID-19 VACCINE
Schedule an Appointment Online or Call to Schedule your Vaccination at a Will County Health Department Vaccination Clinic.
815-774-7386
Will County Pediatric Pfizer (ages 5-11) Vaccine Providers
Pediatricians, Pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Will County Health Department and other community partners will be providing Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine to children ages 5 to 11.
Third doses for immunocompromised children aged 5-11 years old
The CDC is recommending that moderately or severely immunocompromised children aged 5-11 years receive a third dose of vaccine 28 days after their second dose. At this time, only Pfizer-BioNTech is authorized for children. Parents should talk with their pediatrician or health care provider about a potential third dose.
VACCINES FOR HOMEBOUND
Do you know someone who is interested in receiving a COVID vaccine who is unable to get out of the house due to medical limitations?
Consider applying for our homebound vaccination program through the Will County Health Department! Click the link to apply, and we will follow up with you as soon as we can! We want to get everyone vaccinated, especially those who are most at-risk and homebound.
WILL COUNTY EQUITY HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
AREA ORGANIZATIONS AND PROVIDERS BRING NEEDED RESOURCES TO THE COMMUNITY.
Holsten Human Capital Development/Riverwalk Homes, Will County Health Department, Warehouse Workers for Justice, Will Grundy Medical Clinic and The Spanish Community Center worked collaboratively with area partners to make this a successful, fun-filled family event.
Several Community-Based Organizations and Direct Service Providers partnered at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Joliet for a Vaccination Clinic and Health and Wellness Fair to offer numerous resources to residents in need.
Free resources included COVID-19 vaccinations, health testing and screenings, gift cards, employment services, mental health and substance use resources, hygiene products, and hot meals and food boxes, to name a few.
The Will County Health Department in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) provided COVID-19 vaccinations and education. Additionally, Nicole Garrett MAPP Collaborative Coordinator was present to discuss local healthy food initiatives and related surveys. Several residents completed surveys and received gift cards. In Will County, the MAPP Collaborative consists of a broad cross section of organizations and individuals. MAPP is designed to provide a community-focused, data-driven, action-based comprehensive framework for assessing needs and addressing strategic issues throughout the County.
The Salvation Army in Joliet greeted residents, provided hot meals and snacks to volunteers and attendees, and discussed their addiction and recovery services. The Northern Illinois Food Bank delivered 6,747 pounds of food that was distributed to residents, including 1,600 pounds of protein and fresh fruits and vegetables. The Naloxone (NARCAN) team from the Substance Use Initiative of Will County provided training to residents on the signs of overdose and distributed free Narcan spray to attendees.
The Spanish Community Center’s (SCC) community health navigators assisted with vaccination registration, food distribution, and outreach regarding COVID-19 and the center’s numerous services and resources. The SCC offers a variety of services such as family resources, legal assistance, immigration matters, financial housing assistance, Childcare/Pre-school education, food pantry, Covid-19 info/ resources, classes on citizenship, and classes for English and Spanish speaking and so much more.
Warehouse Workers for Justice provided 100 PPE kits to Joliet Community Members. Warehouse Workers for Justice is a worker center fighting for good, living wage jobs across the thousands of transportation and logistics workers in the Will County area, the largest intermodal logistics hub in IL. Their work blends union and worker centered models, focusing on long-term leadership development, alliances with community organizations, and development of innovative organizing tactics. Program Director, Ilissa Valerio states, “We at Warehouse Workers for Justice were happy to partner with the Will County Health Department and local organizations across Joliet to provide resources and PPE to the community.”
The University of Illinois Extension SNAP-Ed provides free nutrition education and resources to communities and families across Illinois. At this community event, Victoria Klimkiewicz, MPH CHES provided an interactive “Eat. Move. Save” booth on the importance of physical activity and how it can easily fit into daily life.
Joliet Township Government provided free tax services available to eligible residents, along with information regarding senior groups and the medical loan closet. Joliet Township also offers free notary services and has a general assistance program and vast knowledge of social service providers to assist residents in need.
Blue Print Agency provided attendees with several products such as shampoo, conditioner, feminine hygiene, hand sanitizer, pens, mugs, masks, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and shaving cream. Blue Print Agency “works with women that have experienced trauma within Will County that are low income to provide the necessary tools to enable women to overcome obstacles.” This is accomplished by offering “free counseling, life coaching, wellness, and resource and referral.”
NAMI Will-Grundy was pleased to participate in the community vaccination clinic and health fair. They distributed informational brochures about support groups and education for individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI Will-Grundy was thankful for the opportunity to spread their message of “You Are Not Alone” and “We Will Never Give Up Hope” to people in the community. More information can be found at: https://namiwillgrundy.org/.
Will-Grundy Medical Clinic was on-site offering their services to uninsured residents. They have been on the forefront of vaccinations and testing for residents county-wide throughout the pandemic.
Holsten Human Capital Development (HHCD)/Riverwalk Homes along with The Will County Health Department and a host of other community-based organizations provided hot meals, groceries, covid vaccinations, health screenings (blood pressure/ blood sugar checks) and extensive resource referrals. HHCD’s mission is to “strengthen at-risk populations by expanding their access to viable resources that promote self-sufficiency, wellness, and stability through comprehensive service provision, developing low-income and affordable housing, and fostering economic development.” According to Program Manager, Elizabeth Protich, “HHCD takes a holistic approach to social services and carried out that mission during a beautifully orchestrated COVID-19 vaccination clinic and health fair on Saturday February 26th, 2022, at St. Peters Lutheran Church.” “We are both humbled and proud of the opportunity to serve our community.” HHCD in collaboration with Lewis University Nursing students performed health screenings and tests to over 70 residents. Thank you to the Lewis University Nursing Students for all your assistance!
We would like to thank Joliet City Councilwoman, Jan Quillman for attending this amazing event as well!
The next event will take place on Saturday, March 26, 2022 from 10am-3pm at the St. Peters Lutheran Church gym located at 310 N. Broadway Street, Joliet, Illinois 60435.
PLEASE JOIN US!
Covid-19 Testing Sites
The Will County Health Department relies our state health department partner, IDPH, and their COVID-19 testing locations to support the testing needs of Will County residents while we deploy our resources toward the preventative measures of timely delivery of booster vaccinations and clinics to support the continually expanding vaccine eligible populations.
There are many testing sites available throughout Will County. If you have a need for testing, we strongly recommend a local retail pharmacy, an IDPH testing site as listed on this page.
Click Here for Shield Testing locations including Joliet Junior College (nasal swab method)
Click Here for Appointment scheduling for SHIELD testing location
Nearby IDPH Drive-thru, PCR COVID-19 Testing Locations
(nasal swab method)
- 2450 Farnsworth Rd, Aurora
- 15800 S. State St., South Holland (South Suburban College)
Click Here for Appointment scheduling for IDPH Drive-thru Testing
Registration can also be completed with a Smartphone at the testing site. Once registered, click on visits, and then on schedule an appointment. Then select your testing location.
Click here for testing times and an expanded list of testing sites throughout the state.
Secure Your Vaccination Card
How important is your vaccination card? It is part of your medical record. It may be needed to travel and to gain entry into businesses or social venues. It may be required for your employment record. Keep it in a secure and accessible place as you would your state ID. Bring it with you when getting any additional COVID-19 vaccinations so it can be updated.
Vax Verify
Want your vaccination record on your smartphone? The Vax Verify immunization portal now offers the SMART™ Health Card. The SMART™ Health Card allows users to download a QR code and access your vaccination record from your Smartphone.
COVID-19 Outpatient Treatment
Therapeutic treatments are available for individuals who have been recently diagnosed with COVID-19 or as a preventative medication for those, who due to being severely immunocompromised, are likely not to produce an effective vaccine response.
However, access to these treatments is extremely limited. Supply is limited in quantity and location. Regional hospital coordination centers, the population in IDPH COVID-19 regions, and participation and selection as a federal pharmacy partner were considered when determining supply allocations. Long term care facilities have been allocated supply through their participating pharmacies.
Due to limited supply, how these medications are administered, treatment effectiveness, and potential side effects, eligibility for these medications is very restricted. These medications require a prescription and eligibility must be determined by the individual’s physician.
Click here to find locations providing COVID-19 therapeutics.
Pop-Up Vaccine Clinics
Beecher 200 U
660 Penfield St, Beecher
March 26th from 9am to 1pm
Adult & Pediatric Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson Clinic
Plainfield Public Library District
15025 S Illinois St, Plainfield
March 26th from 11am to 3pm
Adult & Pediatric Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson Clinic
St. Peter's Lutheran Church GYM
310 N Broadway St, Joliet
March 26th from 10am to 3pm
Adult & Pediatric Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson Clinic
Joliet Public Library Black Road Branch
3395 Black Rd, Joliet
March 26th from 11:30am to 3:30pm
Adult & Pediatric Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson Clinic
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 W Wallin Dr, Plainfield
March 27th from 9am to 3pm
Adult & Pediatric Pfizer, & Moderna Clinic
FIND A COMMUNITY VACCINATION CLINIC IN YOUR AREA
You can sort by county
(use the little arrow that will appear when you hover over the County column to sort by County)
You can also zoom on map to a specific area
Our Progress
Over 65% of the population in Will County Are Fully Vaccinated!
County Level COVID-19 Risk Metrics
Hospital Resource and COVID Patient Data
Vaccinations By Zip Code
County Level COVID-19 Community Transmission Data
Cases: 7 Day Total
479
Cases: Total Per 100K
69.35
Positivity Rate
1.84%
Total number of vaccines administered
1,153,794
3/18/22
Total complete doses
454,745
3/18/22
65.69%
of population fully vaccinated
Demographic Breakdown
RACE/ETHNICITY
%
WHITE
702,831
%
HISPANIC
170,745
%
BLACK
114,631
%
ASIAN
94,254
Age
Ages 5-11
- 47,402 4.12%
Ages 12-17
- 97,388 8.46%
Ages 18-64
- 775,168 67.4%
Ages 65+
- 230,682 20%
Gender
Female
- 612,844 53.3%
Male
- 536,266 46.6%
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR DAILY VACCINE CLINIC UPDATES
An easy way to stay updated on vaccine clinic hours and availability of appointments is to follow the Will County Health Department on Facebook. We post each morning the locations that are open that day for appointments and walk-ins.
Click here to visit our page and then follow/like us!
COVID-19 Questions?
Our team of Customer Service Representatives are ready to help answer any question.
Call our COVID-19 Call Center at:
815.774.7386
The call center can help…
- Schedule, Reschedule or Cancel your COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment through the Will County Health Department
- Find a COVID-19 Vaccination Location near you
- Find a COVID-19 Testing Location near you
- Answer basic COVID-19 questions:
• Information on available COVID-19 Vaccinations
• General COVID-19 Vaccine related guidelines
• Where to locate guidelines on the CDC website - Sign up for the Will County Health Department Weekly Newsletter
- Obtain Proof of COVID-19 Vaccinations
Call Center Hours of Operations:
Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM