The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported that more than 1.1 million Illinoisans have received a dose of the new, bivalent COVID-19 vaccines since they were approved for use in early September, including 207,000 doses in the last week. Since the approval of the updated booster shots, daily vaccination numbers have been trending at the highest level since early February, during the major surge in illnesses caused by the Omicron variant. The new bivalent vaccines are designed to offer added protection from the now-dominant strains of the Omicron variant.
The announcement comes as the CDC released data showing that 26 counties in Illinois are at an elevated level for COVID-19, up from 16 a week ago. This includes three counties at High Community Level for COVID-19. IDPH is reporting 11,955 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Illinois, including 43 deaths since October 14.
“I am encouraged to see the large and growing numbers of Illinoisans who are taking action to protect themselves and their families with the new bivalent booster,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said. “For those who have not gotten the new bivalent booster or the flu shot, NOW is the best time to get fully immunized and protected, while COVID-19 community levels are still relatively low. As we are currently experiencing a sharp increase in severe pediatric respiratory diseases that is resulting in a shortage of pediatric beds – and at the same time facing the prospect of a fall and winter surge of COVID-19 and other illnesses affecting all of us – I am strongly recommending the latest COVID-19 and flu shots for all those who are eligible. These immunizations are especially important for anyone over 50, immunocompromised, or those with chronic medical conditions.”
IDPH is working with the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) to encourage physicians and parents to ensure children are fully protected from COVID-19 and the flu. ICAAP is providing resources for doctors and parents HERE.
IDPH reported that over the last week, an average of more than 29,000 doses of the new bivalent vaccines were administered across the state each day. This is more than triple the daily average for all vaccinations for most of the summer.
The CDC authorized two new bivalent booster vaccines on September 1 that include an mRNA component of the original strain to provide an immune response that is broadly protective against COVID-19 and an added mRNA component in common between the omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5 lineages to provide better protection against COVID-19 caused by the omicron variant.
Initially, the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent, was authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals 18 years of age and older and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent, was authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals 12 years of age and older. On October 12, the CDC authorized the updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech for children ages 5 through 11 years, and from Moderna for children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 years.
The updated boosters are available at pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. The best way to locate a vaccine provider near you is to visit www.vaccines.gov and search for bivalent booster availability.
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 3,796,038 cases, including 35,168 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois since the beginning of the pandemic.
As of last night, 1,060 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 124 patients were in the ICU and 51 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators. The preliminary seven-day statewide case rate is 94 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 Illinoisans.
- Hannibal Lecter - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:03 pm:
Yes, I got it at the same time as my flu shot. It was quick and easy and I’m glad I got it bc a lot of people I know right now are suffering from flu-like symptoms.
- wildcat12 - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:05 pm:
Yep! I got it in late September, and I’m glad I did. It knocked me down for a day afterwards, but it was totally worth it.
- Blue Bayou - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:06 pm:
Yes, along with flu shot. Side effects were minimal for me and the Mrs.
Will get my 10-year-old caught up soon.
- Amalia - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:07 pm:
Hell yes. Hunted down the vax going to 2 places which I found did not have it yet and lucky getting an appointment for the next day later in my hunt day. I’ve done serious testing twice in the last month and been negative twice so so far so good. But still wearing a heavy duty mask in stores. Please Please get vaccines. As just one example, the entertainment industry is suffering still with so many different rules for venues and casts that get positive tests and it affects shows. And audiences with people like me.
- Barrington - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:07 pm:
Yes, and I hope many more get Covid boosted.
- The Velvet Frog - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:07 pm:
Yep, with my flu shot. We all have it except for the nine year old and I will get her in soon.
Why? Because science.
- Sox Fan - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:10 pm:
Not yet. Got COVID over the summer. I assume (hopefully correctly) that the antibodies haven’t yet worn off. I plan on getting boosted before I travel in a couple weeks.
- zatoichi - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:12 pm:
Yes. Booster and flu same time at local drug store. Could not be easier. No side effects except slight upper arm ache. Gone next day. Why? Like Velvet, because science.
- Masker - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:14 pm:
Mask ,wax,and revax folks, its our only defense to a return to normal..
- Big Dipper - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:16 pm:
Yes, got it Labor Day week.
- MrGrassroots - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:16 pm:
I received my booster on September 9th and also received the senior (high-dose) flu shot compliments of the city of Chicago. I test regularly and so far, so good. I highly recommend it for your own health and the health of loved ones.
- Jerry - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:16 pm:
Not yet. Next week along with the flu shot. It’s the Pro-Life thing to do!
- H-W - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:17 pm:
I received both the Covid booster and the flu shots about a month ago. Never too early, and since both are free, it just make sense.
Then again, what makes sense no longer makes sense, right?
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:18 pm:
Status?
Both doses
First booster
Second booster
Flu shot
I’ll have a doctor’s appointment before that last booster is flat out ineffective, so I’ll ask to further boosters.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:21 pm:
I did, just last Friday. Waited because the entire household had COVID in August and figured we had at least 60 days.
Pleasantly surprised that 1 million Illinoisans have gotten it too
- Bruce( no not him) - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:28 pm:
Not yet. Just had covid about 6 weeks ago. I’m taking advantage of the natural immunity for a couple more weeks.
- Independent - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:28 pm:
I got the bivalent and flu shot around Labor Day. Unlike the first booster it felt like a mule kicked my arm. All was good after 24 hrs. I learned years ago if I don’t get the flu shot early I will get sick.
- filmmaker prof - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:29 pm:
yes, and I got COVID. But the good news is, I haven’t been very sick, which I guess is the point.
- MaddyMoon - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:34 pm:
I traveled out of state for work recently. one of the attendees had tested positive for covid just 4 days prior to the start of the conference. she had made the decision to not test herself, because she felt better and really wanted to attend the meeting.
I was in close contact with the individual, i was unaware of her recent diagnosis until after the conference, and now I am at home dealing with mild symptoms, despite having been boosted in September.
People are selfish, doesn’t matter how many of us actually get vaccinated and boosted, there will always be idiots who think only of themselves.
- We’ll See - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:34 pm:
I got the Bivalent vaccine in early September and followed with the flu vaccine a week later. I was maybe a bit fatigued after each but it’s hard to tell because as I age I’m angling for the Sir-Sleeps-A-Lot crown.
- Todd & Margo - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:36 pm:
Yes got it with my flu shot.
- Retired SURS Employee - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:38 pm:
Yes, I got the new booster shot late last month. I am 73 years old and have a number of health issues. I don’t need Covid to add to those issues. Knock on wood, I have yet to get Covid. As an aside, I also got my annual flu shot earlier this week.
- Don't Bloc Me In - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:41 pm:
This past Monday I visited my pharmacy. Since I’m right-handed, I had the bivalent booster in my left arm (in case it became quite sore) and the flu vaccine in my right arm. The next day I had minor body aches and chills, which acetaminophen handled. The next day everything was back to normal. Don’t hesitate, let science work for you.
- Benjamin - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:46 pm:
Yes. Like others here, I got it at the same time as my flu shot. I had a little muscular soreness for a day or two, but otherwise no ill effects.
To IDPH reporting so many doses in the past week: I wonder if other people are waiting to get their COVID booster at the same time as their flu shots as well. The weather only became fall-like a week or two ago in Chicago, and perhaps that reminded people about their annual shots. Just speculation.
- froganon - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:46 pm:
Got both of them last week. No side effects that an ibuprofen didn’t handle. I’m with the science guys.
- clec dcn - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:47 pm:
I have not and will not until more information is known about the vaccine. Clearly there is room for error and in the past I did but not this time.
- OneMan - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:47 pm:
Yes, waited a couple of weeks after I got my flu shot. I needed to get the flu shot for a volunteer thing I do. Decided not to do the two at the same time.
Now I need to get my shingles shots because, as we know, Shingles Doesn’t Care.
- Nick Name - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:52 pm:
Yes. Got it and my flu shot at the same time. First COVID booster that I suffered no side effects from.
- DuPage - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:53 pm:
Asked my doctor when to get the new covid booster and the double strength quad flu shot. Asked him about how he personally would do it. He got the covid shot first, then is waiting a few weeks to get the flu shot. (This was back in September). He told me to get my covid shot first right away and get the flu shot third or fourth week of October, definitely before the end of the month. In case I might forget, just remember get it by Halloween.
I got the covid shot first week of this month will get the flu shot next week.
- Grandson of Man - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 2:55 pm:
Yes. Staying up to date on COVID and flu vaccines. Saw a vaccinated household get mild COVID with fast recoveries. The name of the game is maximum immune protection from either infection or hospitalization/death.
- The Velvet Frog - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 3:01 pm:
The new variants are hitting people who were infected 90 days ago, so protection from being infected isn’t that long any more. It’s reasonable to wait a bit but be careful not to go too long and catch it.
- Rachel - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 3:03 pm:
Got the Moderna version along with my flu shot about a month ago. No real side effects- just a sore arm.
- DHS Drone - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 3:04 pm:
Got it with flu shot because science. Arm was sore but beats the alternatives.
- Ron Burgundy - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 3:04 pm:
Yes with flu shot. Bill Gates is not controlling my brain yet… *blue screen of death*
- Big Dipper - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 3:07 pm:
==The weather only became fall-like a week or two ago in Chicago, and perhaps that reminded people about their annual shots. Just speculation.==
I read that they were recommending to wait until October for the flu shot this year because the peak is expected later than usual so if people got it too early they might have less protection when needed. I waited until this week for the flu shot accordingly and others may have also.
- Montrose - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 3:09 pm:
Yup. Flu & Covid at the same time. Only needed one band aid, so I am also saving the planet.
- New Day - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 3:10 pm:
Was waiting so I get maximum coverage during the legislative session. Getting it this weekend with the flu.
- don the legend - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 3:11 pm:
Yes. Booster in left arm, flu shot in right arm. Zero problems. Aetna explanation of benefits priced the flu shot at $101.00
- Moderate Mom - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 3:20 pm:
I waiting for the Novavax booster to be approved to follow up my previous MRNA booster.
- George Ryan Reynolds - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 3:26 pm:
Was one of the many in IL to get the bivalent last week. Team Pfizer. Knocked me back a bit for about 24 hours. That meant it’s working.
- JoanP - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 3:29 pm:
Not yet. I was supposed to get it and my flu shot next week, but I tested positive for Covid this morning (symptoms really mild, have pretty much dissipated, and my doctor isn’t recommending Paxlovid). So, of course, I had to cancel. But I will reschedule as soon as they’ll let me.
- Steve - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 3:31 pm:
Got mine along with a flu shot at a work sponsored event this week and took my middle schooler to Walgreens last night where they were busy giving them as well
- thunderspirit - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 3:34 pm:
I have, last month. Got the flu shot about a week later.
Science is a Good Thing [tm], I think.
- Gail - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 3:35 pm:
Yes, I’ve had all 5 shots. My 2 grandkids, 7 and 10, had the original 2 doses, but none since. I don’t think they are getting the newest booster.
- G'Kar - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 3:45 pm:
I went to get it last Thursday. The pharmacist at Kroger, after poking around on the computer gave me a funny look. “You are not eligible yet.” I asked why not and she said “It says to got the shot yesterday.” It turns out my 94 year old Dad got his yesterday and, because I’m a junior, for some reason I, not him, was credited for getting the shot. After several phone calls, we finally got things worked out and I got my covid and flu shot earlier today (and my shoulder hurts).
- Earnest - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 3:51 pm:
Got it with my flu shot. This was the mildest aftereffect yet–just a little tired and perfect excuse for a lazy Saturday. I’m around vulnerable people at work and with family, plus have some long flights ahead of me, so a no-brainer.
- Lincoln Lad - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 3:55 pm:
Got my booster within days of it being made available. Followed that with a flu shot last week. No issues… no discomfort… I’ll gladly take every booster they feel will further protect me; I’ve not had Covid yet and want to keep it that way.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 3:57 pm:
Haven’t received the bivalent shot yet. Hope to get it next week with my flu shot.
- Give Us Barabbas - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 4:16 pm:
Got it and the flu shot, one in each arm, as usual, never felt a thing. Glad to have it, as I’ll be working at the polls this year and who knows what kind of people will be coming and going there, best to be as protected as possible.
- Wensicia - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 4:17 pm:
I received the new COVID booster a month ago, and will get my flu shot tomorrow. And I’m still masking up at work (public school) as well.
- Rudy’s teeth - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 4:22 pm:
Received a bivalent booster and flu shot. So far, so good. Since more folks are about and about without masks, it makes sense.
Also, enjoy live music and the venues are full with seats next to one another. The clubs need a full house in order to keep the doors open and pay the musicians.
- thisjustinagain - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 4:29 pm:
Pfizer bivalent booster done Oct. 18. Slightly sore left arm (no impediment to movement) for about 24 hours. No other side effects noticed. It’s pretty simple: Be part of the solution, or be part of the problem. Science. Facts. For All Mankind.
(And yes, that last line is a edited version of the movie ‘Armageddon’ mission patches slogan: “Freedom.Independence. For All Mankind”.
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- Glengarry - Friday, Oct 21, 22 @ 4:37 pm:
Was first in line and got a flu shot shortly thereafter. I’d prefer to be protected, rather than take my chances like the crazies on the Facebook do.