On February 10, Governor Pritzker announced expanding phase 1b to those with underlying conditions. While the City is making progress every day with vaccinating people in 1a and 1b, at this time the City is not being supplied enough doses to expand phase 1b to include those with underlying conditions. While other places in the state will be able to allow for this change, Chicago is struggling to meet the current demand. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is monitoring the situation and continues to work to vaccinate as many Chicagoans as possible. Read details on the press release.
Here's what to know:
Chicago began Phase 1b of vaccination on Monday, January 25, but vaccine supply is limited and patience will be key.
There are two main categories in Phase 1b: Chicagoans who are 65+ and frontline essential workers, including first responders; grocery store workers and day care workers; early education and K-12 educators; workers in public transit, manufacturing, and agriculture; correctional officers and a limited number of government workers, including elected officials and postal service workers.
Healthcare workers and long-term care facility workers and residents who were prioritized in group 1a remain eligible for vaccine in phase 1b and beyond.
Vaccinations will continue to be distributed to workers and residents in non-healthcare congregate settings, like homeless shelters, correctional settings, and group residential settings like convents, where there have been local outbreaks.
Supplies will increase over time, and it is anticipated all adults should be able to get vaccinated later in 2021.
The City partnered with Zocdoc. Zocdoc is an app that should make it easier to find an appointment to get the vaccine where it is available and checks for your eligibility.
Keep up with the latest data through the City of Chicago Coronavirus Response Center.
Beware of COVID Vaccine scams. Please note that the vaccine is free to Chicago residents and that you should not be paying money to get on waiting lists. If someone is asking you for money for a vaccine, do not give it to them. Read this for more information.
The Chicago Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. Phone lines are currently staffed from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Email coronavirus@chicago.gov or call 312.746.4835.