COVID-19 Resources and News
Can you get back to normal life after getting a COVID-19 vaccine?


The people on the front lines of the pandemic recently started getting first doses of COVID-19 vaccines, and the shots will be available eventually to everyone who wants one.

Once you get the shot, can you go back to so-called normal life?

Dr. Robert Citronberg, Advocate Aurora Health Executive Medical Director of Infectious Disease and Prevention, says that while the vaccine would prevent you from getting COVID-19 after you get both doses of the vaccine, it’s possible that you could still carry the virus and spread it to others.

That’s why you’d still need to practice good public health precautions to avoid infecting other people.

“It’s safe for you because you’ve received the vaccine, but we’ll still ask you to wear a mask and maintain social distance so that you protect others,” Dr. Citronberg said.

You can watch Dr. Citronberg and Jane Dus, Regional Chief Nursing Officer and co-leader of Advocate Aurora’s COVID vaccine strategy, answer this question and many more in this video. They talk about vaccine myths, why the vaccines require two doses, and what you need to know about children, among many other topics.
Stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 vaccine news

Advocate Aurora Health offers the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine, including:

  • What you need to know about the vaccine
  • COVID-19 vaccine frequently asked questions
  • Links to CDC vaccine information

See details via the Advocate Aurora Health COVID-19 vaccine web page, available in English and Spanish.
We want to hear from you!

Advocate Aurora Faith and Health Partnerships is asking you to take a few minutes to complete a set of questions that focus on the COVID-19 vaccination. The survey should take approximately two to three minutes. The information you provide will help us in planning COVID-19 vaccination clinics and education around the concerns of getting the immunization. 

Take the survey by clicking here.

Thank you!
Need alternatives to your typical holiday gathering? Read this.

By: Brianna Wunsch

Gatherings and potlucks have long been essential components of holiday festivities, mass producing warm fuzzies by the sleighful – at home and at work alike. But COVID-19 has many people rethinking their jovial plans this year, and with good reason.

“It seems obvious, but at potlucks and gatherings in general, serving utensils are shared by anyone partaking,” explains Dr. Jacqueline Koski, family medicine physician at Aurora Health Center in Neenah, WI. “With that comes the inevitability of picking up – and possibly ingesting – various harmful substances, and a somewhat decent chance of getting sick, especially with COVID-19 and influenza season.”

While physical gatherings and potlucks are not advised during a pandemic, thankfully there are other ways you can get your treat and socialization fix, whether at home or at the office. Consider these alternatives:

  • Organize a goodie exchange at work or in the neighborhood. First, send an invitation via social media or email to colleagues or neighbors to participate. Then, explain the details to invitees: Prepackage a few of shareable treats in several individual grab-and-go containers. If at work, designate a table in the breakroom for team members to pop in and take back to their workstations, if able to do so. If at home, collect the addresses of neighbors and do a doorstep drop off (bonus points if you walk the neighborhood when you deliver).
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Illinois Residents: COVID-19 Virtual Care Program Available

Advocate Aurora Health and the State of Illinois have partnered to help people recover from COVID 19 safely at home. The program is available to all residents over 12 months of age with known exposure to COVID 19 or experiencing COVID like symptoms. The program is free and there are no insurance requirements.

The program offers:
  • Daily virtual check ins via our LiveWell app or website for a period of 14 days
  • Educational information
  • Symptom self management and support
  • A home monitoring kit for those who qualify

If you’re an Illinois resident, call 866-443-2584 to enroll.
Advocate Aurora Health COVID-19 Resources
The Advocate Aurora Health LiveWell app offers virtual appointments and virtual visits with physicians 24-hours a day.
The Advocate Aurora Health COVID-19 Resource Center in English and Spanish provides the most up-to-date information, tools and resources.
Anyone experiencing COVID 19 symptoms or who believes they have been exposed, should visit our Symptom Checker in English or Spanish or call our hotline at866 443 2584both available 24/7 to find out what to do next.
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We’ve updated our symptom checker to help you recognize the difference between symptoms of cold, flu and COVID 19. See in English and Spanish
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See more resource in English and Spanish
See a list of COVID-19 resources specifically for faith communities in Illinois and Wisconsin, including resiliency resources, mental health resources, spiritual resources and more.
State Health Department COVID-19 Resources

Website offers information on COVID-19 testing, COVID-19 vaccination plan, COVID-19 resources, contact tracing, COVID-19 FAQs, quarantine guidance, Tier 3 mitigation information and more.

Stay up to date with IDPH social media:


See COVID-19 Guidance for Places of Worship and Providers of Religious Services in English and Spanish.

Website includes the latest COVID-19 information, an article on how to celebrate the holidays safely, "You Stop the Spread" campaign, a community testing site locator and much more.

Stay up to date with WDHS social media:
Click here to subscribe to health enews, a news service of Advocate Aurora Health, which offers breaking health stories, weight loss tips, exercise advice, the latest treatment options and much more.
Follow Advocate Aurora Health on social media for the most up-to-date resources and news.