voting is public health

1 year of Governors working together for healthier communities through PHA.

PHA connects Governors with trusted public health expertise, practical resources, and one another to take action. 1/

Your best move? Get vaccinated.

A flu shot helps protect you from severe illness and complications. Don't wait until flu is everywhere to think about protecting yourself.

Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about getting your flu vaccine. 💉

Flu season typically picks up in October or November. This year, flu activity began rising in early September in parts of the West.

It’s still low in much of the country, but it’s a good reminder: flu season doesn’t wait for winter.

🧵 Flu season might be getting a head start this year.

Flu activity is rising earlier than usual in parts of the U.S. Fall just started, but it may already be time to get your flu shot.

One more thing: IDPH is tracking potential measles exposure locations and updating the list as needed.

Check the list + get measles prevention info: dph.illinois.gov/resource-cente…

Think you were exposed to measles?
Don’t wait it out. Call your health care provider or local health department right away.

Post-exposure treatment may prevent measles or make it less severe if given quickly.

There are communities in Illinois with lower vaccination rates, including areas currently experiencing a measles outbreak.

IDPH and local health departments are working on the ground to get more people vaccinated and stop the spread.

Two doses of MMR = 97% effective at preventing measles.

So… when was your last dose?
Check your vaccination records or ask your health care provider if you’re not sure.

Measles is preventable.

Illinois has confirmed 23 measles cases so far this year. The risk to most Illinoisans remains very low — but checking your MMR status is an easy step you can take now.

⚠️ Check your hand soap.

Six hand soap products have been recalled due to potential bacterial contamination. The products were sold in Illinois and 14 other states.

If you have a recalled product, stop using it and check the @FDA recall details: accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?…

In 2026, over 21,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer — 770 of them will be in Illinois.

When ovarian cancer is found in its early stages, treatment is most effective.🩵

Learn more about ovarian cancer and its warning signs: dph.illinois.gov/topics-service…

Respiratory virus season is here 🫁
Check this year’s immunization recommendations for flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

Save it, share it, and talk with your health care provider about what’s recommended for you.
Full guidance: dph.illinois.gov/resource-cente…

🔗Read more: dph.illinois.gov/resource-cente…

The MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and keeps you and your loved ones protected.

What you need to know: Measles is preventable with the MMR vaccine.

✔️All children should get 2 doses, with the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years.
✔️Adults should check their vaccination records to see if they're protected against measles.

In severe cases, measles can cause children’s brains to swell, leading to seizures, deafness, cognitive disability, and even death.

⚠️If you or your child develop any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Measles isn’t “just a rash.” A measles infection can cause:
➡️ High fever
➡️ Cough
➡️ Runny nose
➡️ Red, watery eyes
➡️ A rash starting at the hairline that then spreads down the body
➡️ Diarrhea
➡️ Ear infections

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to humans. Up to 9 out of 10 people who are not protected and are exposed to measles will become infected.

And measles can live in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves.

We’re working with local health departments to identify residents who were exposed to anyone infected and to offer vaccination to those who are high-risk and within the community.