Wearing masks and social distancing help reduce your chance of being exposed to COVID-19 or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough. The combination of getting vaccinated and following CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19. Vaccines will work with your immune system so it will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. As Illinois is opening vaccinations to millions of residents under Phase 1B guidelines, find out how you can get the COVID-19 vaccine in Chicago and surrounding cities.
Phase 1B opens up vaccinations to people age 65 years and older as well as “frontline essential workers,” which includes first responders, education workers like teachers and support staff, childcare workers, grocery store employees, postal service workers, and more.
There are several ways eligible residents will be able to get vaccinated, but state officials have urged patience as the new phase opens up.
COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout
There is currently a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine. While the supply is limited, certain groups (e.g. healthcare workers) will be prioritized to receive the vaccine, based on national guidance. For more information see COVID-19 Vaccine Planning in Chicago.
Find Out When and Where You Can Get the COVID Vaccine
Residents in Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, and Will County can sign-up to receive updates on the COVID-19 vaccine.
Cook County
Residents can now register for coronavirus vaccine updates, including when they will be able to receive their first shots and where, as Cook County continues its rollout to administer doses. A call center was also set up at (833) 308-1988. A website launched on Monday for residents to receive information and make appointments as they become available. Residents can sign up here to receive:
- Updates on the Vaccine and the Community Vaccination Program
- Notification for when vaccine administration is open to your phase
- Information on scheduling a vaccine appointment through Cook County Health
- Information on vaccine distribution locations throughout Cook County
Lake County:
This county has created what it calls the Lake County AllVax Portal allowing residents to sign up for coronavirus updates, schedule appointments, and register for the vaccine. It asks residents to register and health officials will notify you when it is time to make your appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine. “You will only receive an email to schedule when you are eligible and the Health Department has vaccine and appointments available to you,” the county’s website states. For more information click here.
DuPage County:
Residents in DuPage County can register to receive weekly updates on the status of COVID-19 vaccination efforts and additional information. For the latest information, sign up for alerts on when you can get an appointment here.
Will County
Residents can fill out the Will County COVID-19 Vaccine Survey to register for the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes publicly available. After completing the survey and when it is your turn to be vaccinated (based on a phased approach), the Will County Health Department will contact you to schedule your vaccine appointment. For additional information, click here.
COVID-19 Vaccine in Illinois
You can learn more about the vaccine’s availability and safety on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 website.
Helpful COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Please click on the links below for more information on the COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccine Information (CDC)
Vaccine Review Process (FDA)
Pfizer Vaccine Fact Sheet
Moderna Vaccine Fact Sheet
COVID-19 Vaccine Myths