COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

Since the updated COVID-19 vaccines have been recommended in mid-September, approximately 66,900 Chicagoans have received the new vaccine (2.4 percent of the population). So far, the rate of vaccine uptake has been slower than the rate for the 2022-2023 bivalent booster vaccine released last fall. Older Chicagoans have been more likely to receive the updated 2023-2024 vaccine than younger Chicagoans, particularly children.

CDPH reminds all Chicagoans that NOW is the time to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine, as well as an annual flu shot. Receiving both vaccines before Halloween is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from severe illness and potential hospitalization this fall and winter.

CDPH is working actively in communities throughout Chicago to promote vaccination. Community Health Response Corps canvassers are going door to door in communities in advance of local pop-up vaccination clinics, and CDPH has been partnering with the media, the faith community and other community groups to disseminate information and host pop-up clinics.

Between now and the end of the year, CDPH will be hosting more than 50 COVID-19/Flu family vaccination clinics at City Colleges of Chicago, City Hall and in partnership with Chicago Aldermen. See the full schedule of clinics on the City’s website.

• The updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine received FDA approval on October 3 and is now available to anyone 12 years and older. Unlike Pfizer and Moderna, which are mRNA vaccines, Novavax is a protein subunit vaccine, similar to the flu vaccine, that helps the body develop an immune system response to the virus. The updated Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax COVID-19 vaccines all provide the excellent protection against serious illness. Visit vaccines.gov to find COVID-19 and flu vaccine locations near you.

A Younger Generation Works Toward Ending HIV

More than 200 people walked the red carpet Tuesday night for the premiere screening of the CDPH-produced documentary, HIV and the Journey Toward Zero: Part II: The Legacy, at the Harris Theater.

The documentary follows four young Chicagoans navigating life's challenges in the face of HIV. This next generation of leaders, either living with HIV or maintaining an HIV-negative status, offer a frank perspective on the realities and misconceptions shaping their world and the future. The film was followed by a mini drag and ballroom show, as two of the documentary cast are active in Chicago's drag and ballroom communities. The cast members delved a bit deeper into the themes they addressed in the film in a panel discussion that rounded out the night.

The first installment of HIV and the Journey Toward Zero: The Frontlines, premiered earlier this year, and has been nominated for a 2022-2023 regional Emmy Award. The third and final installment of this documentary series will bring these two generations together.

For more information about HIV and the Journey Toward Zero, to watch a trailer from The Legacy, get notified about future screenings, or to host your own screening (in-person or virtual) visit journeytowardzero.com.

Clear The Crib Challenge

On Wednesday, Oct. 11, CDPH hosted its first “Clear the Crib Challenge,” an event that promotes infant safe sleep, at the Englewood Health Center. Representatives from WIC and Family Connects Chicago, as well as FCC nurses and delegates, took part.

The National Institutes of Health created “Clear the Crib” to help encourage safe sleep for babies by raising awareness about safe infant sleep. The social media challenge has participants “Clear the Crib” by removing any unsafe items from a cluttered crib and ensuring the doll representing a live baby is left in a safe sleeping position. This is a timed challenge, used to spread awareness about safe sleep for infants.

These events are held in a variety of settings, including community events, parenting classes, and baby showers. Participants receive education about safe sleep environments and other risks of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and can demonstrate their new knowledge on safe sleep practices by “clearing the crib” in under 10 seconds.

In addition to the education and challenge, CDPH provided take-away items such as diapers, wipes, infant hygiene products, onesies, and books, to attendees. Two cribettes were raffled off for families and CDPH staff were on-hand to facilitate referrals for cribs for additional families in need.

October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month and CDPH is one of many health agencies across the nation highlighting the fight against SIDS and Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths with the #ClearTheCrib challenge. In the Chicago area, a variety of organizations partner to host these challenges in October in communities more likely to be impacted by SUID, including the city’s South and West Sides.

For more information on safe sleep, visit CDPH’s Infant Safe Sleep website.

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