Coronavirus Vaccination Centers in Chicago
Back on Dec. 14, 2020, coronavirus vaccine distribution began in the U.S. On Dec. 15, 2020, the State of Illinois began administering the COVID vaccines, and Phase 1A of the COVID-19 vaccine phase, which involved health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities, went into effect in Chicago.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the first COVID vaccine in Chicago took place on Dec. 15, 2020 at Loretto Hospital, which is located on the West Side in the Austin neighborhood. Dr. Marina Del Rios and four other health care workers in Loretto Hospital received the vaccine, taking their first step in combatting the pandemic.
On Jan. 26, 2021, COVID vaccine appointments became available at pharmacies for eligible Chicago-area residents through online sign-ups. However, at certain vaccination centers, such as Walgreens Store #2387, located on the South Side in the Avalon Park neighborhood, vaccine doses became very limited among online sign-ups.
The vaccine mandate would eventually come to an end in the city on Feb. 28, 2022. However, today, it is not too late for any Chicago-area resident to receive a COVID vaccine, which is free of charge.
As of the end of March 2022, 68.6% of Chicago residents, or 1,847,020 people, have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the City of Chicago website. Does this mean there will be 100% of fully vaccinated Chicago residents by 2023?
All the COVID-19 vaccination centers in Chicago are still active today in 2022. However, none of the facilities are operated by the City of Chicago. According to the map above, some neighborhoods have more than one vaccination center. For instance, Brighton Park, located on the Southwest Side, has five vaccination centers. To find a vaccination center in your neighborhood, you can contact the city’s COVID-19 helpline: (312) 746–4835.