CHICAGO — A mass vaccination site opens Monday at the Chicago State University campus.
The site is part of an effort to increase vaccinations in Chicago as more doses have become available and more people are eligible for the shots. The vaccines protect people from coronavirus — and officials have said they’re the best way to end the pandemic.
Only some people are eligible to get shots at the site for now, though.
Here’s what you need to know:
Who’s Eligible
This location is generally open to people in Chicago’s Phase 1C who are 18 and older and who live in certain ZIP codes in the city.
The eligible ZIP codes:
- 60617
- 60619
- 60620
- 60621
- 60628
- 60633
- 60636
- 60643
- 60649
- 60655
- 60827
Here’s who eligible during Phase 1C:
- Clergy and religious organization workers
- Energy workers
- Finance workers
- Food and beverage service workers
- Higher education staff and faculty
- Information technology and communications workers
- Legal workers
- Media
- Other community- or government-based operations and essential functions
- Personal care services and hygiene (like hairdressers, barbers, etc.)
- Public health
- Public safety
- Retail
- Shelter and housing
- Transportation and logistics
- Water and wastewater
- Chicagoans age 16 and older with these underlying health conditions:
- Cancer (current diagnosis)
- Cardiac, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders (including heart disease, coronary artery disease, and hypertension or high blood pressure)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic respiratory disorders (including cystic fibrosis, moderate to severe asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema, known as COPD)
- Diabetes (Type 1 and 2)
- Disability: physical, developmental, visual, hearing or mental
- Neurologic conditions (including dementia)
- Down Syndrome
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) including from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids or use of other immune weakening medicines
- Liver disease (including hepatitis)
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Schizophrenia spectrum disorders
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Thalassemia
- People eligible during Phases 1A and 1B remain eligible, including everyone who is 65 or older and frontline workers.
The city will open some appointments to all Chicago residents who are in Phase 1C in mid-April, but no more details about that have been released yet.
How To Get Vaccinated
The Chicago State University location is appointment-only.
People can sign up online for open appointments or by calling 312-746-4835.
You will need the name, email (if available) and date of birth of the person getting vaccinated to sign up. The person must be a Chicago resident, 18 or older and fit other eligibility requirements to use the site.
Where To Go
The mass vaccination site is at the Emil & Patricia Jones Convocation Center, 9501 S. King Drive. The site is on Cougar Lane at the campus.
People can park at the university’s B8, B9, B10, B11 or B12 lots.
How To Get There
People getting a shot can take the No. 3, 4, 5, 95, 111 or 115 buses. People can also take the Metra’s Electric line to the 95th station.
People can drive to the site and park at the university’s B8, B9, B10, B11 or B12 lots.
What Vaccine Is Used?
The single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine is used at the Chicago State University location.
How Long Will It Take
People getting a shot at the Chicago State University location should expect the process to take about an hour, according to the health department. People can help make this quicker by bringing a printed or digital copy of the registration email they get when signing up for an appointment.
What You Need To Bring
People getting vaccinated will need to bring a proof of their residence — like an ID or bill — since the site is only vaccinating Chicago residents. Here is an online list of documents you can bring to prove you live in Chicago.
People can make the process quicker by bringing a printed or digital copy of the registration email they get when they sign up for an appointment.
People should also wear short sleeves or loose-fitting clothing to make it easier to administer the shot. People can also bring a water or snacks if they will need them.
How To Get Updates
You can sign up with Chi COVID Coach to get updates from the city’s health department on its vaccination campaign.
You can check the health department’s website for information.
You can also contact Block Club’s free coronavirus hotline with questions or sign up for our free text alerts for breaking news.
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