CHICAGO — The United Center’s mass vaccination site is able to give shots to 6,000 people per day.
The site opened March 9 and is expected to be around for at least eight weeks.
The mass vaccination site’s opening will significantly boost Chicago’s and Illinois’ efforts.
Here’s what you need to know:
How To Get An Appointment At The United Center
Eligible Chicagoans can use Zocdoc or call 312-746-4835 to make appointments.
Slots for eligible Illinoisans who live in suburban Cook County will open soon, according to the Governor’s Office. Those people will be able to sign up through the Cook County Health Department website or by calling 833-308-1988 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday.
When Do Appointments Open?
Appointments opened 8:30 a.m. Thursday for Illinoisans 65 and older.
Appointments opened 4 p.m. Sunday for other eligible people who live in Chicago.
There will be 110,000 appointment openings to start with. Other appointments will be available in several weeks.
Who Is Eligible To Be Vaccinated?
The Governor’s Office changed the eligibility requirements for the United Center on Sunday. The changes do not apply to people who had already booked appointments.
Starting Sunday, only Chicagoans and people who live in suburban Cook County can book appointments at the United Center. Other Illinoisans can find information about how to get vaccinated online.
Any Chicago or suburban Cook County resident who is eligible for vaccinations can get a shot at the United Center.
Here is who is eligible:
- People 65 and older.
- People with underlying health conditions:
- Cancer.
- Chronic kidney disease.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, known as COPD.
- Diabetes.
- Heart conditions.
- Immunocompromised state from a solid organ transplant.
- Smoking.
- Obesity.
- Pregnancy.
- Pulmonary diseases.
- Sickle cell disease.
- Frontline essential workers:
- Correctional workers.
- First responders.
- Grocery store workers.
- People working in manufacturing/factory settings with outbreaks.
- Day care, K-12 and early education workers.
- Public transit workers.
- Other manufacturing workers.
- Agriculture workers.
- Continuity of government and postal workers.
- People from Phase 1A, including health care workers.
How To Get To The United Center
Driving
Parking is available in Lot A. Drivers can get there on Washington between Wood and Wolcott. A shuttle will take people to Lot E for the vaccinations.
The city is encouraging younger people to give rides to older people who are getting vaccinated.
Uber
Uber will offer 20,000 free rides to older people who need help getting to and from the United Center. The Uber offer will be made available to people who sign up for an appointment.
CTA
Blue Line: The Illinois Medical District stop is several blocks south of the stadium.
Green and Pink Line: The Ashland/Lake station is several blocks to the northeast of the stadium.
Buses: The No. 9 Ashland, No. 19 United Center Express, No. 20 Madison, No. 50 Damen and No. 126 Jackson buses have stops within several blocks of the stadium.
People using the CTA can check out the agency’s website for bus and train tracking and to plan their trip.
What Vaccine Will Be Used?
The Pfizer vaccine will be used at the United Center site. People will receive information about scheduling their second shot after getting their first shot.
Where Do The Vaccines Come From?
The doses used at the United Center will come directly from the federal government rather than being taken from Illinois’ or Chicago’s limited supply of doses. That will provide a significant bump to vaccinations in and around the city.
Where Will People Get Their Shot?
The United Center itself will not be used. The Blackhawks and Bulls are currently using the facility for games — which fans have not been able to attend due to the pandemic.
Vaccines will be given in the United Center parking lot.
People will park in lots around the United Center and go to Parking Lot E, where they will do walk-through vaccinations, said FEMA official Brian Schiller. Tents will be set up to shield people from the elements as they go through the vaccination process.
Later in the month, there will be a drive-thru option for vaccinations at the site.
Accessibility Help
A portion of the site will be dedicated to people with mobility issues, and older people can bring one person to accompany them to the site.
There will be wheelchairs and other accessibility devices on site, as well as people who can translate various languages and American Sign Language interpreters.
Later in the month, there will be a drive-thru option for vaccinations at the site.
What Does It Cost?
Getting vaccinated is free, even if you do not have insurance.
What Do I Need To Bring?
Bring a printed or digital copy of your registration email from when you confirmed your appointment.
Can Undocumented People Get Vaccinated?
Yes. Residency status does not matter.
Who Runs The Site?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide the personnel for the site, financial assistance, equipment and supplies.
The federal government is partnering with the state of Illinois, Cook County and city of Chicago on the site.
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