COVID hospitalizations up in IL. Here’s where to find new booster shot in the metro-east

Updated booster shots will soon be available at pharmacy locations in southwestern Illinois as COVID-19 hospitalizations increase in the Land of Lincoln and across the U.S.

COVID-related hospitalizations are up 7% in Illinois according to data from early September, the Illinois Department of Public Health reports.

Twelve counties across the state are at a medium COVID-19 hospital admissions level, including Washington, Marion, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Macoupin, Saline, Gallatin, Hardin, Pope, Johnson and Massac.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides data on COVID-19 hospitalizations, emergency department visits, deaths and test positivity, but the federal agency no longer tracks cases. Some data is available by county, while other metrics are shown at a regional level with each region including multiple states.

Officials with the Illinois Department of Public Health wrote in a Sept. 13 statement they recommend eligible residents, which include most of the state’s population, receive the recently approved new booster shot.

“Illinois now has a new tool to prepare our residents for the fall and winter respiratory season: an updated COVID-19 vaccine that targets current strains,” state Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra wrote in the statement. “I recommend the updated vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. These shots will help prevent hospitalizations and severe outcomes and are especially important for those who are over 65, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions.”

Along with information about COVID-19, the CDC also reports data about other respiratory viruses, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV. The latest data available, from the week ending Sept. 2, shows COVID-related emergency department visits are up, but flu and RSV visits have remained low.

State health department officials reported Aug. 25 COVID-19 activity was on the rise across Illinois, citing wastewater surveillance data.

Here’s what to know about getting an updated COVID-19 booster shot in the metro-east. For those who are also looking to be innoculated against the flu, the state health department reports it is safe to get both vaccines at one appointment.

Where to get the new COVID-19 booster

CVS and Walgreens pharmacies are offering this season’s flu shots and will soon offer updated COVID-19 boosters. CVS locations in Belleville, Collinsville and Granite City had availability for Tuesday appointments as of Friday afternoon.

Walgreens stores in Belleville, Swansea, O’Fallon, East St. Louis and more metro-east towns have availability for COVID-19 and flu vaccine appointments beginning Monday for those ages 12 and older. COVID-19 vaccine appointments for children ages 6 months to 11 years will be available starting Sept. 29, according to Walgreens’ website.

You can schedule vaccine appointments at CVS and Walgreens locations online.

The vaccines are available for free under “most insurance plans,” CVS’ website says. Walgreens’ website says COVID-19 vaccines are provided at no cost to patients as it’s “either covered by insurance or government assistance.”

The St. Clair County Public Health Department also administers COVID-19 vaccinations. Spokesperson Brenda Fedak wrote in a Thursday afternoon email to the News-Democrat the department does not yet have the updated COVID-19 vaccines.

“We have requested it and our order has been acknowledged,” Fedak said. “We anticipate having it in house by the end of next week, but there is no confirmed delivery date at this time.”

Note: This story was updated Friday afternoon to reflect some CVS locations had not received the updated COVID-19 booster yet. CVS’ website said Thursday same-day appointments were available.

This story may be updated.