For Seniors
Phase 1B Information
If you’re age 65 or older, you’re now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine in Chicago. Due to limited supply, Chicagoans age 75 and older and Chicagoans age 65-74 with underlying medical conditions are being prioritized. Currently, supplies and appointments are limited but within a few weeks everyone in these groups will have access to vaccination. The vaccine will be offered at no cost to all Chicagoans who want it, but patience is needed while vaccine supply increases. You can find additional information by emailing coronavirus@chicago.gov or by calling the City of Chicago COVID-19 helpline at 312.746.4835.
The best way to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is by calling your healthcare provider. If you don’t have a regular doctor, call your local pharmacy, clinic, or community health center. The vaccine is free and they will work with you to schedule an appointment within the next few weeks. Currently, there are no walk-in locations and you will need to register for an appointment.
The COVID-19 vaccine is especially important for seniors with underlying medical conditions, and some medical conditions increase risk for severe COVID-19 infection. Consult with your doctor if you have a history of significant allergic reactions to vaccines, food, or medicine.
If you can’t register by yourself, ask a family member, friend or a neighbor for help. You can also email coronavirus@chicago.gov, or call the City of Chicago COVID-19 helpline at 312.746.4835.
1.
Primary medical provider
The best way to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is by calling your primary medical provider, health clinic, community health center, or hospital where you receive primary health care services. Ask how and where you can receive COVID-19 vaccine.
2.
Vaccine appointment tool
If you don't have a regular doctor, you can use Zocdoc, the City's vaccine appointment tool, to see real-time appointment availability and receive notifications when new appointments are available. For appointment assistance, contact the City's COVID-19 helpline at 312-746-4835.
3.
Local pharmacy
You can also call your local pharmacy or check out the City's COVID-19 Vaccine Finder to find other locations offering COVID-19 vaccine.
4.
Employeer
If you're employed, discuss your vaccination options with your employer. Learn more at the City's COVID-19 vaccine page for essential workers.
5.
Independent living facility
If you live in an independent living facility, you will most likely get vaccinated through your facility's vaccination program and do not need to take any other action
6.
Protect Chicago Plus
If you live in a community area that is part of the City's Protect Chicago Plus program, expect additional vaccination options within the next few weeks, including a fixed vaccination site and special events in your community.
7.
Homebound seniors
Homebound seniors living in senior buildings may have access to vaccination through a mobile vaccination team at the building. CDPH is working on planning for vaccinating homebound seniors living in the community. Caretakers of homebound seniors may be vaccinated as part of phase 1b.
Frequently Asked Questions
Download the Frequently Asked Questions for Seniors - last updated February 4, 2021
You can find additional vaccination sites and information at www.chicago.gov/COVIDvax, by emailing coronavirus@chicago.gov, or by calling the City of Chicago COVID-19 helpline at 312.746.4835.
If you’re age 65 or older, you’re now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine in Chicago. Due to limited supply, Chicagoans age 75 and older and Chicagoans age 65-74 with underlying medical conditions are being prioritized. Currently, supplies and appointments are limited but within a few weeks everyone in these groups will be able to get vaccinated.
There are multiple ways seniors can receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Chicago. Review the options to find the best way for you. Currently, there are no walk-in locations and you will need to register for an appointment. If you can’t register by yourself, ask a family member, friend or a neighbor for help.
Your Healthcare Provider
The best way to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is by calling your primary medical provider, health clinic, community health center, or hospital where you receive primary health care services. Ask how and where you can receive COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccine Appointment Tool
If you don't have a regular doctor, you can use Zocdoc, the City's vaccine appointment tool, to see real-time appointment availability and receive notifications when new appointments are available. For appointment assistance, contact the City's COVID-19 helpline at 312-746-4835.
Your Local Pharmacy
You can also call your local pharmacy or check out the City's COVID-19 Vaccine Finder to find other locations offering COVID-19 vaccine.
Your Employer
If you're employed, discuss your vaccination options with your employer. Learn more at the City's COVID-19 vaccine page for essential workers.
Independent Living Facility
If you live in an independent living facility, you will most likely get vaccinated through your facility's vaccination program and do not need to take any other action.
Protect Chicago Plus
If you live in a community area that is part of the City's Protect Chicago Plus program, expect additional vaccination options within the next few weeks, including a fixed vaccination site and special events in your community.
Homebound seniors living in senior buildings may have access to vaccination through a mobile vaccination team at the building. The Chicago Department of Public Health is working on planning for vaccinating homebound seniors living in the community. Caretakers of homebound seniors may be vaccinated as part of phase 1b.
Older adults are at greater risk of requiring hospitalization or dying if they are diagnosed with COVID-19. As you get older, your risk of being hospitalized with severe COVID-19 infection increases.
COVID-19 vaccines were tested in large studies that included adults age 65 and older. Study results showed that the vaccines were safe and provided protection from COVID-19 in these older adults. COVID-19 vaccines do not use a live virus and cannot give you COVID-19. Side effects are less common in older adults than in younger people for both vaccines!
Yes, COVID-19 vaccine is recommended and especially important for adults with underlying medical conditions, and some medical conditions increase risk for severe COVID-19 infection. Consult with your doctor if you have a history of significant allergic reactions to vaccines, food, or medicine.
Yes, the vaccine is offered at no cost to all Chicagoans, including those who are uninsured or undocumented.