The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has introduced a public awareness campaign, "Tis the Sneezin'," encouraging residents to safeguard themselves against the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The campaign aims to counter the emerging "tripledemic" threatening the healthcare system according to IDPH.
Data from the CDC's national COVID Data Tracker reveals, as of October 14, a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations in six Illinois counties. However, the overall hospitalization rate appears to be declining by 8% over the week as IDPH reports.
The CDC has alerted healthcare providers to a shortage of nirsevimab, a drug used to protect infants from RSV. Providers are advised to prioritize the drug for infants under six months and those with specific risk factors. Expectant parents are also advised to consider an approved RSV vaccine during the 32nd-36th week of pregnancy to protect their newborns says IDPH.
Humorous interruptions in everyday situations due to someone sneezing make up the core of the 'Tis the Sneezin' campaign, offering videos in both English and Spanish. The campaign aspires to reach Illinois residents through traditional and online media channels, including broadcast and cable TV, streaming audio and radio, billboards, digital displays, newspapers, and social media per IDPH.
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended new mRNA COVID-19 vaccines formulated by Moderna and Pfizer in September for everyone above six months. These vaccines are designed to combat the current COVID-19 strains. An updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has also garnered approval. These vaccines can be administered safely alongside flu and RSV vaccines IDPH confirms.
Multiple studies indicate the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in reducing the risk of symptomatic COVID-19, severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Latest evidence also hints at these vaccines offering protection against long Covid. Furthermore, flu vaccines may help protect against heart disease according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
For those uninsured or under-insured, the CDC's Bridge Access Program covers the cost of COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, the Vaccines for Children program ensures coverage for eligible children states IDPH.
In June, the CDC's ACIP recommended the use of a single dose of an RSV vaccine for individuals aged 60 and over to broaden RSV preventative measures. In August, ACIP endorsed a new monoclonal antibody shot, nirsevimab, for infants under eight months and high-risk toddlers with a shortage currently affecting delivery as reported by IDPH.
To continually track the tripledemic, the CDC has launched a new national respiratory virus dashboard. This dashboard allows the public to check the levels of COVID-19, flu, and RSV in each state per the Illinois Department of Public Health.
A new government website has been established to aid people seeking protection against the tripledemic. This website provides comprehensive information on acquiring masks, treatments, vaccines, and testing resources available at covid.gov.
In summary, the continuous efforts of the Illinois Department of Public Health aim to help residents stay safe from the flu, COVID-19, and RSV. These include preventative measures, vaccine recommendations, and public awareness campaigns such as 'Tis the Sneezin', mitigating the impact of the upcoming tripledemic season on the healthcare system.
