CHICAGO - The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today its schedule of vaccination clinics offering the new fall 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine and flu shots to Chicagoans ages 6 months and up.

Heading into another fall and winter respiratory virus season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu and COVID-19 vaccination for ages 6 months and older, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization for certain groups. As long as it has been two months since your last COVID-19 vaccine, it is recommended to get the new updated vaccine right away. The updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines provide the best protection from currently circulating COVID-19 variant strains.

RSV immunizations are available for infants, pregnant people, and seniors. If you are 60 or older, pregnant, or the parent of an infant, check with your provider to determine which RSV immunization is right for you or your child.

“Staying up to date with your COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines is the number one way to stay healthy as we head into the colder months,” said CDPH Commissioner Olusimbo ‘Simbo' Ige, MD, MPH. “The weather is mild now, but indoor weather is just around the corner, and we know that is when respiratory viruses begin to circulate more widely. Everyone age 6 months and up should get COVID-19 and flu vaccines now to boost their immunity for the season, and seniors, parents of infants and pregnant people should talk with their doctor about RSV immunization.”

Where to Find the COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines

Both vaccines are widely available at commercial pharmacies, and people with private health insurance or Medicaid or Medicare coverage are encouraged to visit a pharmacy or doctor's office to get their updated COVID-19 vaccine. Private insurance, Medicaid and Medicare should cover the cost of vaccination as long as people go to an in-network provider or pharmacy. Anyone unsure which providers are in-network should call their health insurance company before getting vaccinated to avoid out-of-network charges.

Visit www.vaccines.gov or www.vacunas.gov (Spanish) to find a vaccine provider near you, but check to see if your health plan requires you to visit an in-network provider. Be sure to bring your insurance card, as the provider will need to submit a claim to your insurer.

People who do not have health insurance can receive no-cost vaccines from one of three CDPH standing immunization clinics, or one of dozens of CDPH-sponsored pop-up clinics.

Family COVID/flu vaccination clinics at City Colleges of Chicago. No insurance required. Visit CDPH Vaccine Clinics Calendar for registration details.

• Kennedy-King College, 6301 S Halsted St, Saturday, October 12, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Arturo Velasquez Institute, 2800 S Western Ave., Saturday, October 19, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Wilbur Wright College, 4300 N Narragansett Ave, Saturday, October 26, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Richard J. Daley College, 7500 S Pulaski Rd, Saturday, November 2, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Truman College, 1145 W Wilson Ave, Saturday, November 16, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Olive-Harvey College, 10001 S Woodlawn Ave, Saturday, November 16, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Malcolm X College, 1900 W Van Buren St, Saturday, November 23, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

CDPH Aldermanic vaccination clinics. No insurance required. Complete schedule online.

CDPH Immunization Clinics. COVID-19 vaccines are only available for those without health insurance and children eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Flu vaccines are available for all Chicago residents. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is highly encouraged. Create an account and register for an appointment at https://getvaxchi.chicago.gov or call the clinic.

• Greater Lawn Clinic, 4150 W. 55th St., 312.745.1477 - Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Uptown WIC Clinic, 845 W. Wilson Ave., 2nd level, 312.742.3227 - Schedule: Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; Tuesday/Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Pilsen South Ashland Health Hub, 1713 S. Ashland Ave., 312.743.1198 - Schedule: Thursday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

RSV Vaccines

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity also increases in fall and winter. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious particularly for infants and older adults. New vaccines against RSV are available for adults 60 years and older, called Arexvy and Abrysvo. For seniors, RSV is a one-time vaccine, not a repeat seasonal vaccine like COVID-19 and flu.

Pregnant people should get a single dose of Abrysvo during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy during September 1st through January 31st.

The FDA also approved an immunization product, Nirsevimab, for infants that delivers a dose of antibodies directly to the bloodstream. RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the US, and early estimates show Nirsevimab effectiveness was 90% against RSV associated hospitalization in infants in their first RSV season. CDPH is working with Chicago birthing hospitals to increase Nirsevimab access across the city of Chicago through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.

Where to find RSV vaccines

Seniors with Medicare who have not previously had an RSV vaccine can go to an in-network provider or pharmacy. All seniors 75+ are automatically eligible. Those 60-74 with certain medical conditions are also eligible.

Pregnant people and parents of infants should speak with their prenatal provider or pediatrician about locating the RSV immunization option that is best for them and their infant.

What to do if you are sick

Current Respiratory Virus Guidance recommends that if you or someone in your household feels sick with respiratory virus symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat), you stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both your symptoms are getting better overall, and you have not had a fever without the use of fever-reducing medication. Once you resume normal activities, you are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next five days to curb disease spread, such as taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses.

If you are over 65 or at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 or flu, testing is more important to guide treatment. Visit www.testinglocator.cdc.gov to find no-cost COVID-19 testing locations if you are uninsured. Ask your healthcare provider about medications that are available to lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness. An enhanced Treatments Locator is now available to help individuals find locations offering outpatient COVID-19 medications. In addition, the federal government now has the Paxcess Program for free COVID medication. For more information, visit: https://paxlovid.iassist.com.

Free At-Home COVID-19 Test Program

The Federal government has relaunched its free program to deliver at-home COVID-19 tests to residents by U.S. Mail. All U.S. households are eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov.

Masks and Other Mitigation Strategies

Masks remain an important tool to mitigate transmission of respiratory viruses, particularly for people who are at risk for severe illness. Some settings, like doctor offices, might require patients to wear masks.

Improved ventilation can also help to reduce the levels of infectious particles in the air. CDPH offers these tips to make the air in your home safer during respiratory virus season.

Residents with questions about vaccination and locating health resources can call the Chicago Community Health Response Corps Resource Hotline at 312.746.4835.

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