- Credibility:
CHICAGO — Kids 12 and older can get vaccinated against coronavirus at city sites starting Thursday.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Pfizer vaccines on children 12 and older on Monday afternoon. In accordance, the city will start using those doses on youths at its vaccination sites, the Chicago Department of Public Health announced Tuesday morning.
“Current data show that the vaccine is safe and effective in children, and it not only protects our kids, but also their families and our communities,” Dr. Allison Arwady, head of the health department, said in a news release. “In Chicago, communities with the lowest vaccination rates continue to have high case counts and rates of hospitalization and death—even in teens and young adults. Help us increase vaccine uptake and get past COVID by bringing your whole family to get vaccinated together.”
The sites will start vaccinating youths Thursday. A child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to get the shots. The shots are free, regardless of a person’s insurance or immigration status.
Chicagoans can call 312-746-4835 or go online to make an appointment at a city-run vaccination site, but the sites also accept walk-ins.
Many private pharmacies will also offer Pfizer doses to youths, according to the health department.
City-run vaccination sites:
- Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field, 1119 W. Waveland Ave.: Open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
- Apostolic Faith Church, 3823 S. Indiana Ave.: Open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturday-Sunday.
- Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Drive: Open noon-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays.
- United Center drive-thru, 1724 W. Madison St.: Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.
- Richard J. Daley College, 7500 S. Pulaski Road: Open noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays.
- Wilbur Wright College, 4300 N. Narragansett Ave.: Open noon-6 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays.
- Loretto Hospital, 645 S. Central Ave.: Open noon-6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays.
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