Final CDPH COVID and Flu Vax Clinics of 2023

With the temperatures dropping and the holiday season in full swing, there is no better way to keep you and your family healthy this winter than by getting the new COVID-19 vaccine and a seasonal flu shot.

CDPH is hosting its final COVID-19/flu vaccination clinics of 2023 on Saturday, December 2 at Kennedy-King College, Saturday, December 9 at Malcolm X College, and Tuesday, December 12 at City Hall. All clinics will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but residents can also register at Chicago.gov/COVIDvax.

The clinics will offer the new COVID-19 vaccine and annual flu shots for anyone aged 6 months and up. CDPH will be offering the vaccines at no cost, regardless of immigration status.

As of November 25, 10 percent of Chicagoans have received the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. There continue to be significant disparities by race/ethnicity and age for residents who are up to date with their vaccines. Explore data on vaccine uptake on the CDPH COVID-19 data dashboard.

Next week is National Influenza Vaccination Week and for more information and resources related to vaccination visit the CDC site here.

CDPH Report Observes Increase In Syphilis Cases

A CDPH team’s analysis published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) points out a rise in syphilis cases through the COVID pandemic and urges more infrastructure and resources so public health and providers can respond to maternal syphilis cases more quickly.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection which during pregnancy can infect the fetus, causing congenital syphilis (CS), with complications including stillbirth, neonatal death, and long-term physical and cognitive issues. During the pandemic, reported CS cases in Chicago increased and could be explained by a drop in testing and treating syphilis because of pandemic-associated clinic closures and decreased visits as well as increased use of telemedicine rather than in person prenatal care that included blood tests.

CDPH says effort must be focused once again on the timely identification and treatment of pregnant people with syphilis to lower the number of cases of congenital syphilis. The full report, “Notes From The Field: Diagnosis of congenital syphilis and syphilis among persons of reproductive age before and during the COVID-19 pandemic—Chicago, 2015-2022,” can be found in the Nov. 22 edition of the MMWR.

Recognizing World AIDS Day

Friday, Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day, a time set aside to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and honor the lives lost and otherwise impacted by the epidemic. The first World AIDS Day took place 35 years ago, in 1988. In those four decades significant progress has been made in addressing HIV and AIDS, yet not all communities have shared these victories equally.

Nearly half of new HIV infections in the Midwest have been among Black people, and the rate of Black males living with an HIV diagnosis is more than 7 times that of white males. There is still work to be done if we are going to "Get to Zero."

Additionally, World AIDS Day serves as a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma, an opportunity to honor those we have lost, and a rallying cry to commit to working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat.

CDPH is participating in, sponsoring, or supporting events Between Friday and Sunday to commemorate World AIDS Day. They include:

Friday, Dec. 1:

NEFUSE Case Management Services holds two events, both 9:00 a.m. – Noon. A “Coffee and Condoms” at 71st and Yates, and a “Veggie & Vaccines” vaccination drive, at 69th and Wabash. (773) 392-7286.

AIDS Garden Chicago commemoration will include expressions of love and strength for those who continue to fight HIV and AIDS, music by Lakeside Pride Band. Outdoors, rain (or snow) or shine. 10:00 a.m. at Lakefront and Belmont Avenue. Contact: info@chicagoparksfoundation.org

The Puerto Rican Cultural Center annual World AIDS Day vigil, beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the Trans Chicago Empowerment Center, 2753 W. Division St. The vigil includes a walk down Paseo Boriuca in Humboldt Park. This commemoration concludes with a celebration of the 35th anniversary of VIDA/SIDA, at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Museum Art & Culture, at 3015 W. Division St.

Lighthouse Foundation’s annual World AIDS Day Commemoration features dinner and a panel discussion with “HIV and The Journey Toward Zero” cast and activists to highlight how they are thriving, serving their community, and helping Illinois get to Zero. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Gallery Guichard, 446 E. 47th St. Register at bit.ly/LFWAD

Sunday, Dec. 3:

Pride in the Pews and New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church holds a World AIDS Day event celebrating resilience and overcoming stigma. Including a commemoration, celebration, and community health fair for all. 9:00 a.m. – Noon. 754 E. 77th St.

Woodlawn AME Church commemoration features a presentation by VIIV Healthcare, HIV screenings by Near North Healthcare. Presentation and screening will take place following the 10:00 a.m. service (approximately noon). 6456 S. Evans Ave. Call (773) 667-1400 for more information.

Madman Productions holds their 14th annual World AIDS Day fashion show, “Strut.” A portion of the proceeds will benefit Project Vida, the Wellness Homes of Chicago, and Chicago Women’s AIDS Project. 6:00 p.m. Joe’s Bar, 940 W. Weed St. For more details, call (773) 779-2399.

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