Vaccine Operations Update During Johnson & Johnson Pause
COVID-19 Joint Information Center media.coronavirus@cityofchicago.org
Vaccine safety is always our top priority. In accordance with a recommendation from the CDC and FDA, the City of Chicago paused administering the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine starting April 13 while federal health officials complete a review. Based on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) decision on April 14 to continue its review for 7 to 10 days, CDPH is making operational changes to continue vaccinating residents as quickly as possible.
Latest updates on vaccine operations
The Chicago State University mass vaccination site switched to Pfizer vaccine for all appointments starting April 14. People who previously had J&J appointments can keep the appointment but will receive Pfizer instead, along with being scheduled for a second dose.
The Protect Chicago Homebound program will switch to Pfizer vaccine. Appointments will resume on Friday, April 16.
Events scheduled with Walgreens as part of the Faith Month initiative will use the Pfizer vaccine this weekend.
Chicago Federation of Labor vaccination site will change to Pfizer and Moderna, but will be limited to 1,200 doses per week. Appointments will resume April 19.
Events with the Illinois Restaurant Association are on hold until the week of April 26. Vaccine type to be determined at that time.
The O’Hare vaccination site that had been using J&J will not re-open. Anyone with a previously scheduled appointment will be invited for vaccination at Wright College or United Center. Additional special events will be scheduled for MDW and ORD employees.
The CDPH/CTA vaccination bus remains paused for now.
All other vaccination sites in Chicago that use Pfizer or Moderna vaccine will operate as normal.
We will continue to provide updates as they are available.
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