CHICAGO – The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends everyone six months and older receive a yearly flu vaccine as the first, and most important step, in protecting against the flu. To ensure that every resident can access vaccines regardless of ability to pay, CDPH has scheduled five family flu shot clinics and more than 70 community events in all 50 wards over the next two months where residents can get their flu shot for no out-of-pocket cost.

“Getting the seasonal flu vaccination before the end of October is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones,” said CDPH Acting Commissioner Allison Arwady, MD, MPH. ”The flu vaccine reduces the burden of illness and prevents hospitalizations, and we remain committed to ensuring it is affordable and universally available throughout the entire flu season.”

The family flu shot clinics are scheduled for:

• Saturday October 12, 9am-2pm
  • Wilbur Wright College (4300 N Narragansett Ave, Chicago, IL 60634)
  • Whole Foods in Englewood (832 W 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60621)
  • Arturo Velasquez Institute (2800 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60608)

• Saturday, October 19, 9am-2pm
  • Richard J. Daley College (7500 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60652)
  • Harry S. Truman College (1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640)

 Additionally, CDPH offers no-cost vaccines to uninsured children and adults at CDPH walk-in immunization clinics and via a mobile immunization clinic co-sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (Chicago Mobile CareVan). To make it easier for residents to find a location to be vaccinated, CDPH has relaunched the Chicago Flu Vaccine Finder, a web-based app that shows the closest location where the flu shot is available. CDPH also launched its annual public awareness campaign that features print and digital ads in English and Spanish.

 “Getting vaccinated means that you will be less likely to spread flu to your family, friends and neighbors,” said Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director of CDPH’s Immunization Program. “Certain people are more susceptible to the flu, which makes it important for everyone to get vaccinated so that the most vulnerable individuals around you are protected.”

People 65 years and older are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu, and most seasonal flu-related deaths and hospitalizations occur among people in that age group. Other people at high risk from the flu include:

• Children younger than 5 years old, especially those younger than 6 months old who cannot be vaccinated,
• Pregnant women,
• American Indians and Alaska Natives,
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities,
• People with a weakened immune system due to disease or medications, and
• People with asthma, diabetes and other chronic heart and lung conditions.

In addition to vaccination, good health habits can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu:

• Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean your hands. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

To get vaccinated, talk to your doctor or call a pharmacy. If you do not have a doctor, call 311 to locate a CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic.

For information on where to find flu vaccinations nearby, visit ChicagoFluShots.org.

For more information about the flu and to see the full list of flu clinics in Chicago, visit www.chicago.gov/flu.

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