As many who are now eligible begin getting their booster shots, and others prepare to soon become eligible, some are wondering which side effects, if any, they should expect with a third dose of the vaccines.
Plus, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will soon release updated holiday guidance.
Here's what you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today:
Chicago Officials Expected to Release Halloween Guidance This Week
Chicago health officials are preparing to release guidance for celebrating Halloween this week.
The Chicago Department of Public Health told NBC Chicago Monday that the city "should have an updated Halloween guidance later this week."
"CDPH does follow the CDC and recommend people consult them if they have questions in the meantime," the department said in a statement.
Read more here.
President Biden's Trip to Chicago Now Set for This Week After Being Postponed
President Joe Biden's expected trip to Chicago has been rescheduled for this week, according to the White House.
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The president is set to arrive in the city Thursday, resuming his plans to tout vaccine mandates after the trip was postponed last week.
"The President will travel to the Chicago, Illinois area to highlight the importance of COVID-19 vaccine requirements," the White House said in a release Monday.
Read more here.
CDC Guidance for Celebrating Holidays in 2021 'Being Updated'
With the coronavirus pandemic continuing into a second holiday season, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention appeared to have released updated guidance over the weekend for those looking to celebrate safely.
But the portion of the agency's website reflecting holiday guidance, refreshed on Friday, was taken down on Monday.
"The content is in the process of being updated by CDC to reflect current guidance ahead of this holiday season," CDC spokeswoman Kristen Nordlund said in a statement. "The page had a technical update on Friday, but doesn’t reflect the CDC’s guidance ahead of this upcoming holiday season. CDC will share additional guidance soon."
What Are the Side Effects, Risks of Pfizer's COVID Booster Shot?
As more people become eligible for Pfizer's COVID-19 booster shot, are there any side effects or risks associated with the next vaccine dose?
Among people who stand to benefit from a booster, there are few risks, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded.
Serious side effects from the first two Pfizer doses are exceedingly rare, including heart inflammation that sometimes occurs in younger men. Data from Israel, which has given nearly 3 million people — mostly 60 and older — a third Pfizer dose, has uncovered no red flags.
A small number of people have experienced a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine, like anaphylaxis, which would occur during the 15 to 30 minutes patients wait after the injection.
The CDC has noted that side effects with the third shot "were similar to that of the two-dose series."
Read more here.
Chicago Pride Fest Draws Large Crowds Despite No Parade
Chicago's Pride Parade was canceled this year because of the pandemic, but that didn't stop thousands from turning out for Pride Fest and celebrating LGBTQ+ life, culture and community.
Crowds packed North Halsted Street Saturday for the second day of the three-day festival. Typically, Chicago's Pride celebration consists of a full month of festivities and ends with the Pride Parade in June, according to the event's website.
While the pandemic forced changes this year, people said they were happy to celebrate regardless.
Read more here.
COVID Vaccines Now Available at 5 Illinois Community-Based Testing Sites
The state of Illinois has started administering doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at five community-based testing sites throughout the state, health officials announced Friday.
Doses of all three vaccines - Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson - are available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays at sites in Arlington Heights, Aurora, Fairview Heights, Peoria and South Holland.
No appointments are needed, and all vaccines will be administered at no cost, according to a news release from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Details here.
Tiger Tests Positive For COVID-19 at Brookfield Zoo
An 11-year-old tiger has tested positive for COVID-19 at suburban Brookfield Zoo, officials announced Friday.
Malena, the Amur tiger, has been showing signs of "mild respiratory illness" late last week, according to the zoo, including lethargy, coughing and sneezing.
The zoo noted that similar symptoms have appeared in other cat species held at the zoo, which has led to additional testing by the veterinary staff. Final COVID test results for other animals will likely be available next week.
Read more here.
Coronavirus in Illinois: 18,735 New COVID Cases, 236 Deaths, 159K Vaccinations in the Past Week
Illinois health officials on Friday reported 18,735 new COVID-19 cases in the past week, along with 236 additional deaths and over 159,000 new vaccine doses administered.
In all, 1,630,864 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the state since the pandemic began, according to the latest data from the Illinois Department of Public Health. The additional deaths reported this week bring the state to 25,017 confirmed COVID fatalities.
Read more here.
Moderna vs. Pfizer: Is One Vaccine Stronger Against Delta Variant?
With many now able to choose which COVID vaccine they receive, questions surrounding which offers better protection against the now-surging delta variant have spiked.
Several studies have been conducted to determine vaccine effectiveness, but is one vaccine actually better than the others?
According to medical experts, the three vaccines currently available in the U.S. each offer protection.
Here's a breakdown of what we know so far about each vaccine.
