CHICAGO –The City of Chicago announced today that all City-operated vaccination sites offering Pfizer vaccine will be open to youth age 12 to 15 effective Thursday May 13^th. Yesterday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization for that age group and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected to grant full approval on Wednesday.

“Like adults, all youth age 12 and older are encouraged to get the vaccine,” said CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. “Current data show that the vaccine is safe and effective in children, and it not only protects our kids, but also their families and our communities. In Chicago, communities with the lowest vaccination rates continue to have high case counts and rates of hospitalization and death—even in teens and young adults. Help us increase vaccine uptake and get past COVID by bringing your whole family to get vaccinated together.”

City-operated vaccine site appointments for Thursday can be booked now through the City’s call center at 312.746.4835 or through www.zocdoc.com/vaccine. All vaccine sites will accept walk-ins for 12 to 15 year olds effective Thursday. A parent or guardian must accompany any minor under age 18, and unvaccinated parents and guardians will be encouraged to receive a vaccine as well. No appointment will be necessary, although pre-registration is encouraged.

The following City-operated vaccination sites with Pfizer will be open to youth age 12 and older:

*Vaccination site at American Airlines Conference Center at Gallagher Way is operated by Advocate Aurora.

In addition, many private pharmacies offer Pfizer vaccine for youth.

All COVID-19 vaccines are offered at no cost to everyone, no insurance or ID required.  

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

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