Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners joined Cook County Health (CCH) officials today to emphasize the importance of getting the latest flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

“As we enter another respiratory virus season, we need to take advantage of all the tools at our disposal to give ourselves the best chance of fighting these viruses,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Getting vaccinated is an action we all can take to protect our health and the health of those around us. I will be getting my COVID and flu vaccines today and I hope everyone will join me and get their shot too.”

Medicaid, Medicare, and most commercial health plans cover the cost of routine vaccinations like COVID and flu. People who are uninsured can get vaccinated at any CCH location free of charge by making an appointment. To make a vaccine appointment, call 312-864-0200.

“Here at Cook County Health, we are, as we have been for more than 185 years, here for those who need us.” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, Interim CEO, Cook County Health. “Insurance status should not be a barrier to receiving essential health care. We are proud to build on our historic mission and ensure people receive the vaccines they need to stay healthy, regardless of ability to pay.”

In late August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved updated COVID vaccines. The updated COVID vaccines offers better protection against the COVID variants currently circulating and causing the most serious infections and hospitalizations in the U.S.

Guidelines for the COVID vaccine timeline can be found on the CDC’s website.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu and COVID to develop in the body. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated against the flu by the end of October at the latest.

“From a population health perspective, it is crucial to highlight that last year’s vaccines do not provide immunity against this year’s viruses. New viral strains necessitate updated vaccine formulations. This is especially critical for individuals who have previously had COVID, as repeat infections can exacerbate long COVID complications,” said Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, Chief Operating Officer, Cook County Department of Public Health.

For the 2023-2024 flu season 53.9% of children and 48.5% of adults received their flu vaccine. For children, that was 2.2 percentage points lower than the previous season.

Less than 15 percent of children and 22 percent of adults received an updated COVID vaccine last year.

“Each year, we admit children to the hospital for flu and COVID and it is incredibly scary for families to watch their child struggle to breathe,” said Dr. Rosibell Arcia-Diaz, Director of Inpatient Pediatrics, Cook County Health. “I urge you to have conversations with your child’s doctor about the importance of vaccines.”

Last week, the CDC announced two additional pediatric flu deaths for the 2023-24 flu season, bringing the total to 199, matching the total of the 2019-2020 flu season.

For more information about getting vaccinated, visit Cook County Health’s website or Vaccine.gov.

For general information about vaccinations, please visit the Cook County Department of Public Health’s website.