For Youth
Pfizer authorization for children 12+
The Pfizer vaccine has been authorized and recommended for use for individuals age 12 to 17 by the Food and Drug administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Chicagoans age 12-17 are able to receive vaccination only at sites offering Pfizer vaccine. No other vaccines are authorized for use in individuals under 18 at this time.
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is now authorized for use in children 12 and older. The vaccine is safe and effective for children, and is offered at no cost. City of Chicago vaccine sites with Pfizer are now open to all youth age 12 to 18, with a parent or guardian present. Go to zocdoc.com/vaccine or call 312.746.4835 to make an appointment.
Where to Get Vaccinated
City-operated vaccine site appointments can be booked through the City’s call center at 312.746.4835 or through www.zocdoc.com/vaccine. Chicagoans under 18 must have a parent or guardian book vaccine appointments on their behalf. All vaccine sites accept 12 to 15 year olds. A parent or guardian must accompany any minor under age 18, and unvaccinated parents and guardians will be encouraged to receive a vaccine as well. No appointment will be necessary, although pre-registration is encouraged. All COVID-19 vaccines are offered at no cost to everyone, no insurance or ID required.
The following providers are confirmed to offer vaccination to youth patients.
The following providers are confirmed to offer vaccination to youth patients. Individuals under the age of 18 may also use the City's COVID-19 Vaccine Finder to identify additional vaccine providers.
- Lurie Children's
- Amita Health Saints Mary and Elizabeth
- Amita Health Resurrection
- Holy Cross Hospital
- Mt. Sinai Hospital
- St. Anthony's: 1-800-915-TONY (8669), walk-ins accepted
- St Bernard Ambulatory Care Center - COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic or 773-962-4644, walk-ins accepted
- Roseland Community Hospital or email schedule-covaxscheduling@roselandhospital.org, walk-ins accepted
- Rush University Medical Center
- University of Chicago Medicine or 773-834-8221
- St. Bernard Ambulatory Care Center Pharmacy
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
As a parent, you may have questions about COVID-19 vaccines. Here are answers to common questions. Additional information is on the FAQ page.
Before getting FDA authorization, clinical trials showed COVID-19 vaccines to be safe and effective for children age 12 and up. Trials for each of the vaccines involved thousands of volunteers.
The vaccines continue to be monitored very closely. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that COVID-19 vaccines will have “the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history."
While fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, can get sick from COVID-19, and can spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to others. Children, like adults, who have COVID-19 but have no symptoms can still spread the virus to others. Vaccines are very effective at preventing COVID-19.
All City-operated vaccination sites offering Pfizer vaccine will be open to youth age 12 to 15 effective Thursday May 13th. Appointments can be booked through the City’s call center at 312.746.4835 or through www.zocdoc.com/vaccine. All vaccine sites will accept walk-ins for 12 to 15 year olds effective Thursday.
Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved for youth under age 18.