CHICAGO – The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today that it was extending vaccine eligibility at all City-operated vaccination sites to Chicagoans 16 and 17 years old starting immediately. Chicagoans under 18 must have a parent or guardian present during their appointment, and those 16 and 17 can only receive a Pfizer dose.

With an increase in vaccine supply, City-run sites will also start accepting walk-ins beginning Friday, April 23, as availability allows. People are still encouraged to make appointments ahead of time to guarantee themselves a dose. With the expanded eligibility, young people are encouraged to bring older relatives along to be vaccinated, too.

“Let’s make this a family affair. Bring your parents, guardians, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and neighbors,” said Allison Arwady, M.D., Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health. “Right now, the City has many vaccine appointments available at the United Center, our new site at Chicago State University, and other locations throughout the city. The only way we can stop this pandemic and get back to the things we love is for all Chicagoans to step up and get vaccinated.”

The City moved to Phase 2 of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility on April 19, but initially limited eligibility at City-run sites to those 18 and over. Anyone 16+ living in the City of Chicago can look for vaccine appointments at Zocdoc.com/vaccine or use the City's COVID-19 Vaccine Finder to identify additional vaccine providers. To book an appointment on Zocdoc, Chicagoans under 18 must have a parent or guardian book vaccine appointments on their behalf. For City of Chicago sites, individuals under the age of 18 seeking vaccination need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The City-run sites will vaccinate emancipated minors, although they need to bring their court order confirming their status. Married minors can also get vaccinated and need to bring their marriage certificates.

New appointments will be added frequently, and people are encouraged to check back regularly. Chicagoans can also book vaccine appointments by calling the City’s COVID-19 Help Line at (312) 746-4835.

The following pharmacies offer vaccinations and their own scheduling: Chicago Costco Pharmacies, CVS, Jewel Osco, Mariano’s, and Walgreens. Contact the pharmacy directly about possible appointments.

The vaccine is offered at no cost, and insurance is not required. Documentation regarding immigration status is also not required. Proof of address is required for all first dose appointments at City sites, with the exception of United Center. Please see the list of documents one can provide to prove a Chicago address.

To learn more about Chicago’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, visit www.chicago.gov/covidvax.