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COVID-19 Vaccine


Frequently Asked Questions

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DuPage County Health Department (DCHD)

Week of 2/19/21

Will DuPage County expand the 1b priority group to include people 16-64 with underlying health conditions on Feb. 25th?


Until vaccine supply increases, DuPage County will not be expanding to the Phase 1b Part II group announced by the Governor last week that includes individuals ages 16–64 years with co-morbidities and underlying conditions, as well as individuals with disabilities.

How long will it take to complete the 1a and 1b priority groups?


Based on the extremely limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine available each week across the country and in DuPage County, we anticipate it may take approximately 12 weeks to vaccinate the nearly 270,000 individuals in DuPage County who meet Phase 1b criteria. Once vaccine supply is more robust, the rate of vaccination is expected to increase as more vaccine will be available for the DCHD community vaccination clinic as well as the network of healthcare providers approved as vaccination sites.

I’m part of the 1b priority group and want to schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine. What should I do?


Persons eligible in Phase 1a or 1b who are interested in receiving vaccine should do the following:
  1. Register on DCHD’s website at www.dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccine, or call (630) 682-7400 if assistance is needed with registration (i.e., no internet or computer access, language assistance, or have questions).
  2. Explore additional opportunities through other vaccine providers in your area. Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has compiled available locations at coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/vaccination-location.
  3. Contact your primary care doctor or local retail pharmacy for appointment availability.
  4. Take the first available opportunity to receive vaccine.

Week of 2/12/21

Will the amount of vaccine administered on a weekly basis increase? If so, when?


The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) is hopeful that COVID-19 vaccine supply will increase but there are no definitive timelines on when that may occur. Once vaccine supply is more robust, the rate of vaccination is expected to increase as more vaccine will be available for the DCHD community vaccination clinic as well as the network of healthcare providers approved as vaccination sites.

When someone is alerted they are now eligible to get the vaccine and schedule an appointment, is that only through the DCHD vaccine clinic?


Individuals who have registered with the DuPage County Health Department will receive information to schedule an appointment through DCHD or another healthcare provider. If a person eligible in Phase 1a or 1b has registered with the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD), they will receive weekly updates on the progress of our vaccination efforts. Once it is their turn, they will receive a link to schedule their appointment with DCHD or another healthcare provider. While individuals wait their turn, they may also contact their healthcare provider and private pharmacies for earlier appointment opportunities.

What do people do if they're not permanent residents or workers of DuPage?


If they have verification of their current employment or residence in DuPage County when they schedule their appointment they will be served. Everyone is encouraged to seek vaccine opportunities within the county they live or work in and should return to the same location for their second dose.

Week of 2/5/21

Is DuPage County Health Department prioritizing teachers in Phase 1b or how will they be vaccinated?


The DuPage County Health Department has been working with DuPage County schools through the Regional Office of Education (ROE) throughout the pandemic response. With the assistance of the ROE, we have developed a COVID-19 vaccination plan that links vaccine providers with 13 points of dispensing (PODs) established through the High School Districts. These providers are ready to begin vaccinating once vaccine is available with the understanding that it may take several weeks to have enough vaccine supply allocated and distributed to DuPage County.

There are over 28,000 educators and school staff and we are receiving only about 14,000 doses of vaccine in the county each week for those remaining to be vaccinated in 1a and all 270,000 individuals eligible in 1b. As the health department for all county residents, we are working to ensure that all people eligible in the Phase 1b priority groups have equitable access to the still limited vaccine.

If I have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, do I need to wear a mask, avoid close contact with others, and quarantine if I am exposed?


Yes. Everyone, including those who have been fully vaccinated, should continue using these measures to help end this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions.

We don’t yet know whether getting a COVID-19 vaccine will prevent you from spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 to other people, even if you don’t get sick yourself.

Week of 1/29/21

Currently can anyone in Phase 1b sign up at any site, or is availability limited to specific groups within 1b?


Anyone eligible in the 1b group will be able to schedule appointments as vaccine supply increases. The state has not released guidelines for prioritizing within 1b. We encourage people to register for updates about when and where COVID-19 vaccine will be available at www.dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccine. However, if opportunities to register become available through pharmacies, healthcare providers, or medical groups, people should also register there and get vaccinated at the first opportunity available. Many providers will be administering vaccine in the coming weeks and months as vaccine supply increases.

Do you have to live or work in DuPage to receive a vaccine in DuPage?


As the vaccine supply provided by the State of Illinois/IDPH is allocated based on county jurisdiction, DCHD is further prioritizing its administration of vaccine for individuals who live or work in DuPage County.

When will the mass vaccination site at the Fairgrounds open?


Next month, DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) will be moving and expanding the current COVID-19 vaccination clinic, operated at the health department building in Wheaton, to the DuPage County Fairgrounds. The vaccination clinic will be by appointment only, scheduled in advance. No walk-up appointments will be available.

As a reminder, this will be one of the many sites in DuPage County that eligible individuals will be able to access to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. DCHD has a decentralized, community-based vaccine allocation for our County that has over 80 locations for residents to access the vaccine. For more information, visit www.dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccine.

Week of 1/15/21

When do I get my COVID-19 vaccine?


This depends on whether or not you fall under the Phase 1a, 1b, or 1c guidelines as listed here: https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccination-plan. DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) and healthcare providers in the community are currently vaccinating healthcare personnel as part of Phase 1a and anticipate moving to Phase 1b in the coming weeks. Once in Phase 1b, we estimate nearly 270,000 individuals in DuPage will become eligible. With this large of a group, it may take about 12 weeks for all Phase 1b individuals to be vaccinated. Because it will take time to get this many people vaccinated, we are urging patience from our residents while we continue working to deliver as many vaccinations as quickly as possible through both the DCHD and a network of partner providers in the community.

What should I do now?


Currently, DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) asks any individuals living, working, or attending college/university in DuPage and interested in learning more about opportunities to become vaccinated for COVID-19 to sign-up for our weekly updates at www.dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccine. Signing up for these updates is not a registration for a vaccine. However, signing up allows DCHD to communicate with you efficiently as opportunities to become vaccinated by providers all over the county become available.

What is the Health Department’s plan for Phase 1b?


DuPage County Health Department is working with many different partners at all levels, including hospitals, healthcare providers, pharmacies, and community leaders to expand access to vaccine throughout numerous sites across DuPage County. Our goal is to make COVID-19 vaccine available in as many locations as possible as we prepare to move into Phase 1b in the coming weeks. As vaccine supply increases and additional vaccination sites become available, the Health Department expects the rate of vaccination will increase and more information will be available about the specific locations people will be able to go to schedule appointments for vaccine.

How much of the vaccine received in DuPage County has made it into people’s arms?


In the first four weeks of vaccination, DuPage County received 46,305 doses of vaccine, and 32,711 doses of vaccine were administered, which represents 71% of doses received being administered. Please note that not all received doses can be administered immediately as each week vaccinators must hold vaccine doses for upcoming appointments. Of the 32,711 doses administered in DuPage County as of January 11, DuPage County Health Department has administered 3,406 doses and other healthcare partners have administered 29,305 doses.

What are you doing to get people vaccinated more quickly?


The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) is working diligently to increase the number of vaccines administered each week. Local healthcare partners are also planning and expanding additional opportunities. DCHD understands, very clearly, the need to expand the availability of the vaccine as the population to be vaccinated increases in Phase 1b. It will, even with the expansion, require patience and calm from our residents. We are working around the clock to ensure these efforts are successful and achieve high vaccine coverage levels across our communities.

Week of 1/22/21

Is it recommended to register at a pharmacy or county vaccine site?


At this time, we are recommending residents register through their county health department. Through this registration, information will be shared about when and where vaccine is available for people to begin scheduling appointments.

However, if an individual is contacted directly through their healthcare provider or medical group, before they are contacted through the health department, they should get vaccinated at the first opportunity available.

How far in advance can I register?


People should begin registering now. This will provide them direct communication and updates as vaccination sites begin offering appointments to their corresponding phase.

Is there a time lag or delay to get the vaccine through the county?


The supply of vaccine is currently not adequate to meet the demand. The DuPage County Health Department is one of many healthcare providers who are currently vaccinating. We encourage people to be vaccinated at any of the healthcare providers who will be administering vaccine in the coming weeks and months. We anticipate additional vaccination sites will become available as vaccine supply increases.

Week of 1/15/21

When do I get my COVID-19 vaccine?


This depends on whether or not you fall under the Phase 1a, 1b, or 1c guidelines as listed here: https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccination-plan. DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) and healthcare providers in the community are currently vaccinating healthcare personnel as part of Phase 1a and anticipate moving to Phase 1b in the coming weeks. Once in Phase 1b, we estimate nearly 270,000 individuals in DuPage will become eligible. With this large of a group, it may take about 12 weeks for all Phase 1b individuals to be vaccinated. Because it will take time to get this many people vaccinated, we are urging patience from our residents while we continue working to deliver as many vaccinations as quickly as possible through both the DCHD and a network of partner providers in the community.

What should I do now?


Currently, DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) asks any individuals living, working, or attending college/university in DuPage and interested in learning more about opportunities to become vaccinated for COVID-19 to sign-up for our weekly updates at www.dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccine. Signing up for these updates is not a registration for a vaccine. However, signing up allows DCHD to communicate with you efficiently as opportunities to become vaccinated by providers all over the county become available.

What is the Health Department’s plan for Phase 1b?


DuPage County Health Department is working with many different partners at all levels, including hospitals, healthcare providers, pharmacies, and community leaders to expand access to vaccine throughout numerous sites across DuPage County. Our goal is to make COVID-19 vaccine available in as many locations as possible as we prepare to move into Phase 1b in the coming weeks. As vaccine supply increases and additional vaccination sites become available, the Health Department expects the rate of vaccination will increase and more information will be available about the specific locations people will be able to go to schedule appointments for vaccine.

How much of the vaccine received in DuPage County has made it into people’s arms?


In the first four weeks of vaccination, DuPage County received 46,305 doses of vaccine, and 32,711 doses of vaccine were administered, which represents 71% of doses received being administered. Please note that not all received doses can be administered immediately as each week vaccinators must hold vaccine doses for upcoming appointments. Of the 32,711 doses administered in DuPage County as of January 11, DuPage County Health Department has administered 3,406 doses and other healthcare partners have administered 29,305 doses.

What are you doing to get people vaccinated more quickly?


The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) is working diligently to increase the number of vaccines administered each week. Local healthcare partners are also planning and expanding additional opportunities. DCHD understands, very clearly, the need to expand the availability of the vaccine as the population to be vaccinated increases in Phase 1b. It will, even with the expansion, require patience and calm from our residents. We are working around the clock to ensure these efforts are successful and achieve high vaccine coverage levels across our communities.

Week of 1/22/21

Is it recommended to register at a pharmacy or county vaccine site?


At this time, we are recommending residents register through their county health department. Through this registration, information will be shared about when and where vaccine is available for people to begin scheduling appointments.

However, if an individual is contacted directly through their healthcare provider or medical group, before they are contacted through the health department, they should get vaccinated at the first opportunity available.

How far in advance can I register?


People should begin registering now. This will provide them direct communication and updates as vaccination sites begin offering appointments to their corresponding phase.

Is there a time lag or delay to get the vaccine through the county?


The supply of vaccine is currently not adequate to meet the demand. The DuPage County Health Department is one of many healthcare providers who are currently vaccinating. We encourage people to be vaccinated at any of the healthcare providers who will be administering vaccine in the coming weeks and months. We anticipate additional vaccination sites will become available as vaccine supply increases.

Week of 1/15/21

When do I get my COVID-19 vaccine?


This depends on whether or not you fall under the Phase 1a, 1b, or 1c guidelines as listed here: https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccination-plan. DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) and healthcare providers in the community are currently vaccinating healthcare personnel as part of Phase 1a and anticipate moving to Phase 1b in the coming weeks. Once in Phase 1b, we estimate nearly 270,000 individuals in DuPage will become eligible. With this large of a group, it may take about 12 weeks for all Phase 1b individuals to be vaccinated. Because it will take time to get this many people vaccinated, we are urging patience from our residents while we continue working to deliver as many vaccinations as quickly as possible through both the DCHD and a network of partner providers in the community.

What should I do now?


Currently, DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) asks any individuals living, working, or attending college/university in DuPage and interested in learning more about opportunities to become vaccinated for COVID-19 to sign-up for our weekly updates at www.dupagehealth.org/covid19vaccine. Signing up for these updates is not a registration for a vaccine. However, signing up allows DCHD to communicate with you efficiently as opportunities to become vaccinated by providers all over the county become available.

What is the Health Department’s plan for Phase 1b?


DuPage County Health Department is working with many different partners at all levels, including hospitals, healthcare providers, pharmacies, and community leaders to expand access to vaccine throughout numerous sites across DuPage County. Our goal is to make COVID-19 vaccine available in as many locations as possible as we prepare to move into Phase 1b in the coming weeks. As vaccine supply increases and additional vaccination sites become available, the Health Department expects the rate of vaccination will increase and more information will be available about the specific locations people will be able to go to schedule appointments for vaccine.

How much of the vaccine received in DuPage County has made it into people’s arms?


In the first four weeks of vaccination, DuPage County received 46,305 doses of vaccine, and 32,711 doses of vaccine were administered, which represents 71% of doses received being administered. Please note that not all received doses can be administered immediately as each week vaccinators must hold vaccine doses for upcoming appointments. Of the 32,711 doses administered in DuPage County as of January 11, DuPage County Health Department has administered 3,406 doses and other healthcare partners have administered 29,305 doses.

What are you doing to get people vaccinated more quickly?


The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) is working diligently to increase the number of vaccines administered each week. Local healthcare partners are also planning and expanding additional opportunities. DCHD understands, very clearly, the need to expand the availability of the vaccine as the population to be vaccinated increases in Phase 1b. It will, even with the expansion, require patience and calm from our residents. We are working around the clock to ensure these efforts are successful and achieve high vaccine coverage levels across our communities.

Week of 1/8/21

I have signed up for the newsletter, when will I be notified that there are more appointments available?


Current demand and interest to be vaccinated is extremely high. Thousands of healthcare professionals have signed up for our newsletter/weekly update and we are working as quickly as possible to offer appointment opportunities to healthcare professionals providing direct patient service. We are currently releasing new sets of open appointments every 3 to 4 business days.

I received a link to book an appointment, but when I clicked the link all appointments were full? When will I get a link for new appointment times?


We will send new links through email to healthcare professionals signed up for our weekly update as more appointments become available. We anticipate opening additional sets of appointments every 3 to 4 business days at this time.

When will DuPage County move to Phase 1b and begin vaccinating frontline essential workers and residents age 65 and older?


Specific timelines are difficult to predict but we have estimated it may take approximately 8 weeks to vaccinate all Phase 1a (healthcare personnel) in DuPage County.  Currently, we are in week 3 of our vaccination efforts.


cdc_logoCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

How is CDC working to make sure people want to and can get vaccinated once a COVID-19 vaccine is available?


CDC is working with partners across the country to make sure people have the information they need to be confident in deciding to get vaccinated. Key priorities for CDC are: 

  • Regularly sharing clear and accurate information with people to make sure they understand the risks and benefits of getting vaccinated and can make informed decisions.
  • Helping healthcare personnel feel confident in their decision to get a COVID-19 vaccine and helping healthcare providers answer their patients’ questions about the vaccine.
  • Engaging communities and individuals in an equitable and inclusive way to ensure that people have opportunities to ask questions and get clear, accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Easy access to COVID-19 vaccines is equally critical. CDC is working with public health, healthcare providers, and other partners to make sure people can easily get a COVID-19 vaccine and that cost is not a barrier.

Will there be enough vaccine for everyone?


Currently, two vaccines are authorized and recommended to prevent COVID-19 in the United States. To help guide decisions about how to distribute limited initial supplies of COVID-19 vaccine, CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have published recommendations for which groups should be vaccinated first.  It is understandable how concerning this may be for people, especially for those who are at increased risk for serious illness from this virus and for their loved ones.

The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as large quantities are available. Several thousand vaccination providers will be available, including doctors’ offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals, and federally qualified health centers.

How long will it take for COVID-19 vaccines to take effect?


The COVID-19 vaccine is expected to provide some protection a couple of weeks after your first shot and reaches its greatest effectiveness after your second shot. It is very important to take the second shot within the recommended time period for maximum vaccine effectiveness.

Note Opens in new windowClick for additional CDC FAQs


idph_logoIllinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)

When can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?


The first supply of COVID-19 vaccine receiving Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began being distributed in the U.S. on December 14, 2020. Initial supplies of the vaccine will be limited, and therefore allocated to health care personnel and Long-term care (LTC) residents and staff. However, the vaccine supply will increase over time and all adults should be able to be vaccinated in 2021.

Where can I get the vaccine?


Initially, hospitals will provide COVID-19 vaccine to health care personnel. As more vaccine is distributed by the federal government, several thousand vaccination providers will be available, including but not limited to doctors’ offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), across the state.

CDC is working with pharmacies to establish a system to offer on-site COVID-19 vaccination services to residents and staff in LTC settings, including skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities where most individuals are over 65 years of age.

Is a COVID-19 vaccine safe?


The U.S. vaccine safety system is a deliberate and multi-phase process to ensure all vaccines are as safe as possible. Safety is a top priority. Vaccine candidates conduct clinical trials with many thousands of study participants to generate scientific data and other information for the FDA to determine their safety and effectiveness.

If the FDA determines a vaccine meets its safety and effectiveness standards, it can make these vaccines available for use in the U.S. by approval or Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). After the FDA makes its determination, ACIP will review the available data in order to make vaccine recommendations to the CDC. ACIP will then recommend vaccine use. After a vaccine is authorized or approved for use, vaccine safety monitoring systems will watch for adverse events (possible side effects). CDC is working to expand safety surveillance through

Can the COVID-19 vaccine cause me to become infected or infect others?


No, you cannot become infected or infect others from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, because the vaccine contains no live virus. Instead, the vaccine directs your body to produce a protein that teaches your body how to fight off the virus.

Do I have to get a COVID-19 vaccine?


There is no federal or state mandate to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC recommends the vaccine to all Americans 16 and over.

Can my employer require that I receive a COVID-19 vaccine before returning to work?


Decisions regarding immunization at private workplaces are up to the employer.

Note Opens in new windowClick for additional IDPH FAQs

Last Updated: 2/19/21