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COVID-19 Vaccine Updates: All Chicagoans 5+ Are Eligible for Vaccination

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates: All Chicagoans 5+ Are Eligible for Vaccination

NEW: See the full calendar of Chicago vaccine opportunities at https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/calendar-of-events.html 

 

  • Since November 15, 2021 the Chicago Department of Public Health has been operating a vaccination clinic at the Uptown WIC located at 845 W. Wilson Ave., 2nd level.
    • Clinic operations run on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8am-3pm. Additionally, they are open Tuesday and Thursday from 9am-4pm. Walk-in’s are welcome but registration is strongly encouraged REGISTER ONLINE HERE or call (312) 745-1477

The Pfizer vaccine has been approved for children ages 5 and up.  Chicago residents above the age of 5 can now receive their vaccine. Here are some more details about the Vaccines for Children Program:

Who Is Eligible for the VFC Program?

Any child that is younger than 19 years of age and meets one of the following requirements:

  • Medicaid-eligible
  • Uninsured
  • American Indian or Alaska Native
  • Underinsured*

What Is “Underinsured”?

Underinsured means your child has health insurance, but it:

  • Doesn’t cover vaccines, or
  • Doesn’t cover certain vaccines.

*Underinsured children are eligible to receive vaccines only at Federally Qualified Health Centers or Chicago Immunization Program Fast Track Clinics. If you need help locating an FQHC or Chicago Immunization Fast Track Clinic contact the Chicago VFC Program

What are the Costs or Fees?

There is no charge for any vaccines given by a VFC provider to eligible children. But there can be some other costs with a vaccination:

  • Doctors can charge a set (or standard) fee to administer each shot. But if the family can’t afford the fee per shot, the fee must be excused. A VFC-eligible child cannot be refused a vaccination due to the parent’s or guardian’s inability to pay for shot administration.
  • There can be a fee for the office visit.
  • There can be fees for non-vaccine services, like an eye exam or blood test.

Locating a VFC Provider

Nationwide, there are over 44,000 doctors enrolled in the VFC Program. The Chicago VFC Program can provide a list of doctors enrolled in the VFC Program in Chicago.

VFC Provider Resources

Visit the VFC webpage on the Chicago Health Alert Network (HAN) to access resources and archived VFC News Bulletins.

For access to the VFC HAN webpage, please email ChicagoVFC@cityofchicago.org

WHERE TO GET THE VACCINE OR BOOSTER

  • City Sites
    •  Uptown WIC: 845 W. Wilson Ave., 2nd level.
      • Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8am-3pm
      • Tuesday & Thursday 9am-4pm
    • City sites are vaccinating ages 5 and up, and you can register on ZocDoc.
    •  All clinics will offer pediatric COVID-19 Pfizer vaccines, as well as Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson primary and booster doses to all Chicagoans. You must be 18 or older to receive a J&J vaccine.
    • The nearest city site in Ward 46 is at Truman College (located at: 1145 W. Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640).
      • Their vaccination events will be happening on Saturday December 18, 2021 & Saturday January 8, 2022 from 9am-2pm. Walk-ins are available but it is strongly encouraged that constituents register for an appointment. There is NO requirement to have insurance or a government issues ID for these appointments.
      • Some more details:
        • Please book a separate appointment for each patient in your party.
        • Please arrive no earlier than 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
        • Booster doses are not eligible for incentives
      • REGISTER FOR VACCINATION AT A CITY SITE HERE  
      • You may also call (312) 746-4835 to schedule appointments.
  • Healthcare Providers
    • The vast majority of people getting the vaccine will get them through their healthcare provider (70% through their hospital, their physician’s medical practice, or a federally qualified healthcare center). Please reach out to your medical provider to make sure your contact information is up-to-date and that your provider knows you are interested in the vaccine. If you do not have a medical provider, you can enroll with a federally qualified health center. Click here to locate one nearest you.
  • Pharmacies
    • Pharmacies across Chicago have received vaccines and are scheduling their own appointments for those currently eligible. Insurance may be required, call your preferred location for details on costs for the uninsured.
  • Home Visits
    • At home vaccinations are now available for all and are encouraged! They will be operating full time starting December 11, 2021. These at home vaccination appointments will be available on a daily basis (including weekends!) from 8am-6:30pm. Booster doses will also be available for at home appointments. Make sure you schedule your whole family for one appointment!
      • Call 312-746-4835
      • Or visit chicago.gov/athome
    • Homebound Individuals can receive a vaccine at home.  Paramedics with the Chicago Fire Department are making home visits to administer the vaccine for individuals in the following categories:
      • a senior OR a person with a disability that requires in-home assistance, and
      • a person who has to use adaptive equipment (like a ventilator, wheelchair, etc.) and/or accessible transportation to leave home.
    • You can register to receive the vaccine at home here.  If you or someone you know needs this service but does not have access to the internet, please reach out to our office so we can assist you at 773-878-4646.

REACH OUT WITH QUESTIONS
Let’s continue to keep ourselves and each other safe. Please reach out to my office if you have any questions about the most recent COVID-19 information or flu shots at 773-878-4646 or email Ward46@cityofchicago.org.

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