(9-23-22) Effingham, IL – The Effingham County Health Department (ECHD) announces 29 new cases of COVID-19 were reported from Friday, September 16 through Thursday, September 22.

Effingham County remains at a MEDIUM Covid-19 Community Level. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) makes the following recommendations for those in a MEDIUM-Level Community:

• Stay up to date on vaccination, including recommended booster doses.
• Maintain ventilation improvements.
• Avoid contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
• Follow recommendations for isolation if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
• Follow the recommendations for what to do if you are exposed to someone with COVID-19.
• If you are at high risk of getting very sick, talk with a healthcare provider about additional prevention actions.

At all levels, people can wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by personal level of risk. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.
Remember, the more steps you use, the increased level of protection you are creating for yourself. Stay up to date with your COVID vaccinations and boosters. People who are up to date on vaccines have a much lower risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 compared with unvaccinated people.

The new bivalent COVID booster is now available on Tuesday and Thursdays at 1904 S. Banker St (the oil change place in front of the Village Square Mall) from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This is a drive through clinic. When getting a booster please bring your COVID vaccine card with you. You can also call the Effingham County Health Department on 217-342-9237 and choose the CLINIC option to speak to someone who can check your eligibility and answer vaccine related questions.

Free Covid Testing Center is available in the White Hoop Building by the Effingham County Health Department, 901 W Virginia Ave, Effingham. The Drive-Thru Clinic hours are Monday through Friday from 9 to Noon and in the afternoon from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
• No insurance is required for these free tests.
• This service is available to anyone seeking testing.
• For ages 5+.
• No appointment or physician order required.
• Rapid results the same day.
• Rapid tests while supplies last.
• PCR results take 2-3 days.
• Drive-through
• There will be no testing on days the Health Department is closed.

(9-19-22) Effingham, IL – The Effingham County Health Department (ECHD) is offering Flu Vaccination and COVID-19 Booster Clinics, but at a new location. Drive thru clinics will be offered at 1904 S. Banker St (the oil change place next to Wabash Tire by Village Square Mall) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The clinics at this location have begun and will end on Thursday, October 27th.

At these clinics ECHD will be offering regular flu shots, high dose flu shots and the new bivalent COVID-19 boosters to those aged 18 and over. People are able to receive both a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 booster at the same time if they choose. Kids Flu Clinics – will be offered at a different time and location.

To be eligible for the new COVID-19 bivalent booster you must have completed your primary series of COVID-19 shots and be at least 2 months out from your last COVID-19 shot of any kind.

The updated COVID-19 vaccine boosters are designed to give you broad protection against COVID-19, including better protection against the Omicron variant. The new boosters include components of the original virus strain and the Omicron variant. This is why it is called a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.

Remember getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from the flu. Different flu strains circulate every flu season, making it important that you get an annual flu shot.

Masks are required. Please wear short sleeved shirts and no coat in the car so it is easier to receive your shot. Have your insurance card and license ready for ECHD employees to scan. If receiving a COVID-19 booster please bring your COVID-19 Vaccine Card.

To check availability and eligibility please call the Effingham County Health Department on 217-342-9237 and choose the “CLINIC” option.