COVID-19, Flu & Other Viruses

There are several steps you can take to keep from experiencing severe illness caused by COVID-19, influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough and other viruses and bacteria.

CDC to Launch Free COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments to Uninsured and Underinsured Adults: To help ensure that millions of uninsured and underinsured American adults continue to have access to no-cost COVID-19 vaccinations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is launching the Bridge Access Program for COVID-19 Vaccines Fall 2023.

Prevention is Key!

Vaccines: Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, annual flu vaccines, pneumococcal vaccines, shingles vaccines, and the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, which is also known as whooping cough) vaccine. Vaccines can help prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death. If you are covered by Medicare or Medicaid, these vaccines are free of charge. Need assistance finding a vaccine location or transportation to an appointment?
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging using our map tool.

Good Practices: Follow good health and hygiene practices like handwashing; coughing and sneezing into your elbow or tissue instead of your hands; sanitizing high-touch surfaces regularly; and masking during periods of high virus transmission or in densely populated locations.

Keep Viruses from Spreading to Loved Ones!

Stay Home: If you are sick, stay home. This prevents the virus from spreading in your community.

Treatment: Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Monitor your symptoms and follow instructions from your healthcare provider. Ask your healthcare provider about treatment options and any medicines you can take to treat or shorten symptoms.

Stay Connected!

Social isolation and loneliness are two lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are interested in activities and programs designed to help you connect with family, friends, and your community, contact your local Area Agency on Aging using our map tool. Ask about the Illinois Care Connections program as well as activities you can attend in person.

Long Live Illinois!

IDoA’s Long Live Illinois campaign is designed to reach unvaccinated and undervaccinated older adults with messages that build confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine, overcome lingering hesitation, and combat misinformation. You can use the materials in these toolkits on your social media, among your friends and partners, and with older adults in your communities:

Long Live Illinois Toolkit

Long Live Illinois Multicultural Toolkit

Long Live Illinois Fall Toolkit

Long Live Illinois Fall Toolkit-Spanish

Long Live Illinois Winter Toolkit

Long Live Illinois Spring Toolkit

Long Live Illinois Multicultural Spring Toolkit