By Manu Ferreira
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded eligibility for an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for certain individuals. People that fit in the pre-requisites can take the second booster.
“Boosters are safe, and people over the age of 50 can now get an additional booster four months after their prior dose to increase their protection further. This is especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID-19,” says CDC’s announcement.
The vaccines are available upon registration at Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, Promise Healthcare, Carle Health, OSF HealthCare, Christie Clinic, and Pharmacies. Visit the website www.vaccinefinder.org to schedule appointments at local pharmacies.
As important as getting vaccinated is to get tested in case of having any symptoms. People who need to take a test in the state of Illinois can order At-home rapid tests or head to one of the SHIELD saliva-based test locations.
According to the Deputy Administrator and the Epidemiologist of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD), Awais Vaid, people who are fully vaccinated still have to take some precautions if test positive. “If you tested at home and the result is positive, if you have symptoms or if you don’t have symptoms, you should still isolate for a period of 5 days,” recommends.
All the instructions on what to do once a person tests positive are posted on the Public Health District website. “If you have any questions, you can always call or email Public Health. We still have case investigators and contacts that can talk to you,” says Vaid.
Residents can contact CUPHD by phone at 217-239-7877 or email: coronavirus@c-uphd.org. For other information, visit the website: https://www.c-uphd.org/champaign-urbana-illinois-coronavirus-information.html
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