Jackson County, IL
Coronavirus Hub
The health and safety of our residents is our first priority, Here you will find the most up to date information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Guidance
(Updated March 4, 2024)
On March 1, 2024, CDC updated its isolation guidance for persons infected with COVID-19. Covid-specific guidance is now grouped with the flu and RSV into new Respiratory Virus Guidance. The change in Covid guidance reflects that a greater percent of the population has some level of protection from vaccination and/or previous infection, that effective treatments are widely available, and that fewer people are getting seriously ill from Covid.
Under new guidance, if you are ill with a respiratory virus (or tested positive), you can resume normal activities* when, for at least 24 hours, both of these conditions are true:
• Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
• You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
* However, while you can resume normal activities, you should take added precautions over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.
• Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. You are likely to be less contagious at this time, depending on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were.
• If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Then take added precaution for the next 5 days.
See examples of how to apply the updated isolation guidance for respiratory viruses.
The new Respiratory Virus Guidance is for the general public, however, persons who may be more susceptible to respiratory viruses, may need to take more advanced precautions. This includes older persons, those with weakened immune systems or pregnant people.
The new isolation guidance is not applicable in healthcare settings. Such facilities should continue to follow previous guidance.
JCHD continues to administer updated (2023-24) COVID-19 vaccinations. In light of recent new guidance, JCHD is administering a second dose of 2023-24 vaccine to those ages 65 and older, at least 4 months after the last dose. We carry Pfizer for those ages 6 months and older and Moderna for those ages 12 and older. JCHD also carries flu vaccine and high-dose (age 65 & older) flu vaccine, as well as RSV vaccine for persons age 60 & older with qualifying medical conditions. Most insurances are accepted for vaccinations. For those that are uninsured or underinsured, JCHD has Covid vaccines available for no out-of-pocket charge, and flu and RSV vaccines for a nominal out-of-pocket fee. Make an immunization appointment here or by calling 618-684-3143, ext. 150.
COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children
Children 6 months through 4 years of age who are unvaccinated may receive a three-dose series of the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent vaccine.
Children who are 5 years of age who are unvaccinated may receive a single dose of the Pfizer BioNTech bivalent vaccine.
*JCHD currently only keeps Pfizer in stock for children.
Appointments are required for health department vaccinations.
Location: Front building, 415 Health Department Rd, Murphysboro, IL 62966
If you are immunocompromised:
Previous CDC recommendations ensured that people who are immunocompromised are already eligible for additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Everyone aged 6 months and older who is moderately or severely immunocompromised needs at least 1 dose of a 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine. Depending on the number of doses you’ve previously received, you may need more than 1 dose of updated vaccine:
o If you have not gotten any COVID-19 vaccines (not vaccinated), you should get 2-3 doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
o If you got 1 previous Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine you should get 1-2 doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
o If you got 2 or more previous COVID-19 vaccines, you should get 1 updated COVID-19 vaccine.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about getting additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine.