COVID-19 Testing
For established Crusader patients:
We offer COVID-19 testing for established Crusader patients who are symptomatic. Patients can call 815-490-1600, or send a portal message to their provider to schedule an appointment.
For non-established patients, or for asymptomatic testing, we suggest the following:
- Rapid at-home testing: Testing kits are available at drugstores without a prescription, and a box with two tests typically costs about $25. Swabs, testing solution and instructions are included.
COVID-19 Vaccination
Established Crusader patients:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone six months and older.
The Covid-19 Bivalent vaccine is no longer authorized for use. There is a new seasonal Covid-19 vaccine that has been authorized for use and will be available in the near future. Please contact your primary care provider with questions and for updates. Patients can call 815.490.1600 or send a portal message to their provider if they would like to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Parents of pediatric patients can contact their child’s healthcare provider to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time they have other routine vaccines.
For non-established Crusader patients and/or patients 18 and under:
If you are not an established Crusader patient, the following COVID-19 vaccine resources are available to you:
- Schedule a vaccine appointment through Walmart Pharmacy: click here
- Schedule a vaccine appointment through Walgreens pharmacy: click here
- Schedule a vaccine appointment through CVS pharmacy: click here
Oral Antiviral Treatment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization to allow the use of Paxlovid for the treatment of mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients who do not require hospitalization or require oxygen therapy. Paxlovid works by stopping the COVID virus from replicating in your body, which can reduce the severity of disease and hospitalization. Paxlovid is a treatment that you take by mouth twice daily for 5 days.
Who can get this treatment?
To receive a prescription for Paxlovid, you must have a positive COVID-19 test, your symptoms must have started within the past 5 days, and you must be high risk for having a more severe case of COVID. High-risk individuals can be:
- Individuals 65 or older and weigh 88 lbs or more
- Age 18 or older, weigh at least 88 lbs AND have any of the following:
+ Chronic kidney disease
+ Heart or lung disease
+ BMI of 25 or greater
+ Diabetes
+ Immunosuppressive disease
If you qualify for treatment, and have had a positive test elsewhere, contact your primary care provider to discuss your options.
What to expect with this prescription
Paxlovid is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals will experience side effects while on this medication. Side effects can include altered taste, diarrhea, and muscle pain. If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to continue the medication unless your provider instructs otherwise.
COVID-19 Educational Resources
Prevention:
Get Vaccinated.
If not have not yet been vaccinated or have not received the bivalent COVID vaccine, consider doing so. Staying current with COVID vaccines helps lower your risk of sickness, hospitalization, or death from COVID-19.
Wear a mask.
Wearing a mask helps to protect you and those around you from COVID-19. For those over the age of two years old, masks are still required in certain settings, such as healthcare facilities.
Watch your distance.
To avoid possible COVID-19 exposure, avoid crowded areas or keep distance between yourself and others.
Wash your hands.
Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Online resources:
The Illinois Department of Public Health provides the most up-to-date guidance for the state of Illinois. They have a wide range of educational resources including symptoms, treatments, quarantine guidelines, vaccine FAQs, executive orders & rules, and so much more.
For general questions about COVID-19, please call the Illinois Department of Public Health at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov