Senior Citizens are eligible to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine. However, due to the shortage of vaccine supply and the use of online systems, some seniors have had issues getting it. Federal and local authorities announced a 100k vaccine distribution at the United Center last week.
Today, CDPH and IDPH announced that the United Center vaccination site (Madison Ave and Damen Ave) will have a special registration period for seniors 65 and older starting on Thursday at 8:30 am through Sunday at 4 p.m.
Only requests for 65+ will be allowed during this time.
Please check out this link for more information on the United Center Vaccination site.
To register online, visit Zocdoc.com/vaccine. The United Center site is projected to handle a much higher volume of appointment requests. The vaccinations will be done outside, not inside the stadium.
Zocdoc will show real-time appointment availability and eligible residents will then be able to select a date/time and book an appointment online. Date of birth will be required when booking an appointment to confirm vaccine eligibility.
To register by phone, call (312) 746-4835. To help bridge the digital divide, a multi-lingual call center will be available to help seniors make an appointment. This call center will be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Please spread the word so that we can get as many seniors vaccinated as possible. Seniors should also try reaching out to their personal doctors to request the vaccine. They can also try signing up at vaccine.cookcountyil.gov.
Many seniors may not have access to computers and need assistance in finding an appointment. It can take time and effort to find an appointment, so if you can help a senior find one, please offer. Also, once an appointment is made, transportation can be an issue, so that's also a way you could volunteer. The city is also working with rideshare companies to get free rides for senior citizens. Please share this information with your family and neighbors.
PLEASE continue to wear masks until the CDC and public health officials determine the vaccine is distributed widely enough. COVID will still be a threat until the vast majority of people receive the vaccine so we must remain vigilant and observe mask and social distancing guidelines.