COVID-19 update: 26,214 more shots, 14 more deaths, 3,180 new cases
As some immunocompromised Illinois residents are now getting a third booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, state health officials are reporting 26,214 more doses were administered throughout the state during the past 24 hours.
Illinois Department of Public Health officials also unveiled a new website that provides information and answers basic questions about booster shots.
State health officials reported Thursday that 14 more people have died from COVID-19, while 3,180 new cases were diagnosed.
The state's death toll from the virus is now 23,699, while 1,477,465 residents have tested positive.
Illinois hospitals are treating 1,994 COVID-19 patients, 449 of whom are in intensive care, according to the most recent state figures.
The state's seven-day average case positivity rate is at 5.2%, the second day in a row it has declined, though just slightly.
Case positivity is the percentage of new cases derived from a batch of test results. A seven-day average is used to smooth any anomalies in the daily reporting of those figures that help track the level of infection growth within a certain population.
Vaccine providers statewide are now averaging 36,487 inoculations a day and have administered 13,718,714 doses to residents and workers since the vaccine rollout began in December, according to IDPH figures.
State health officials also reported Thursday that 58.3% of the vaccine-eligible population of residents 12 and older is fully vaccinated, while 75.2% of that age group has had at least one dose.
The state public health agency hasn't begun detailing how many of the new inoculations are going into the arms of the moderate or severely immunocompromised as booster doses. However, IDPH officials did create a website devoted to answering basic questions about boosters at dph.illinois.gov/covid19/third-dose-faq.
“If you are unsure if you are recommended for a third dose, talk with your health care provider,” the IDPH site suggests. “The third dose of COVID-19 vaccine can be given anytime 28 days after receiving the second dose.”
The IDPH booster shot site also provides information on why the booster is needed, what type of booster a fully vaccinated individual should receive, and answers to other questions.
Q. Does it matter what type of booster someone gets?
A. “You should receive the same brand of vaccine you received for your first and second doses, either Moderna or Pfizer/BioNTech.”
Q. When will everyone who needs a booster be able to get one?
A. “Federal health officials are prepared to offer booster shots for people in the U.S. beginning the week of Sept. 20 and starting eight months after an individual's second dose.”
Q. What about a Johnson & Johnson vaccine booster?
A. “Federal health officials anticipate booster shots will likely be needed for people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Administration of the J&J vaccine did not begin in the U.S. until March 2021, and health officials expect more data on J&J in the next few weeks.”
Q. Why do we need a COVID-19 booster shot?
A. “While the COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized in the U.S. continue to be effective in reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death, including protection against the delta variant, many vaccines see reduced protection over time. While study and data analysis are ongoing, federal health officials have concluded that a booster shot will be needed to maximize vaccine-induced protection and prolong its durability.”
Q. Where will booster shots be available?
A. “Individuals with compromised immune systems can check with their health care provider about getting a third COVID-19 dose. At this time, vaccine providers, such as local health departments, clinics and pharmacies, are able to provide third doses. You can find a vaccine provider at vaccines.gov or call (800) 232-0244, or for TTY (888) 720-7489.”