Family Vaccine Clinics Begin at City Colleges

This week, CDPH kicks off its COVID/Flu Family Vaccination events at City Colleges of Chicago and City Hall. City Colleges Clinics will be held every Saturday (except November 25) through December 9, from 9 a.m. to 2p.m.

• Saturday, October 21, Wilbur Wright College
• Saturday, October 28, Olive Harvey College
• Saturday, November 4, Richard J. Daley College
• Saturday, November 11, Arthur Velasquez Institute
• Saturday, November 18, Harry S. Truman College
• Saturday, December 2, Kennedy-King College
• Saturday, December 9, Malcolm X College

Chicagoans can also get vaccinated at City Hall, 11th Floor, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 15 or December 12. Find the complete schedule of these and other pop-up vaccination clinics, and register for an appointment on the City of Chicago website.

CDPH reminds Chicagoans of the importance of everyone 6 months and older getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine—which protects against coronavirus strains that are currently circulating—as well as an annual flu shot to protect themselves and their loved ones through the holidays and winter season.

“Now is the time to get vaccinated, ideally before Halloween, to allow time for your immunity to develop before the weather turns cold and indoor gatherings increase,” said Dr. Brian Borah, medical director at CDPH. “COVID-19 is still with us, and the virus continues to evolve. That’s why it is important to stay up to date on vaccinations, including an annual flu shot and an RSV shot for those eligible. Getting updated vaccines is absolutely the best way to avoid serious illness and hospitalization, especially for those at greatest risk.”

On The Block Halloweek

No tricks here! Chicago’s very own Halloweek is back this year with tons of events, resources, and treats. Chicago Halloweek is developed by the City of Chicago to ensure all youth and families can have a celebratory and safe Halloween and Fall season. The Community Safety Coordination Center and other City departments will host 10 On the Block events and 15 community kickbacks for teens. In addition, the Upside Down Parade will return on Saturday, October 28 from 12-2PM. Costumes are encouraged! Find over 300 events citywide at chicagohalloweek.org.

Domestic Violence Awareness Day

Today, CDPH is wearing purple for Domestic Violence Awareness and in solidarity with survivors. Each day, the Chicago Police Department receives over 500 calls related to domestic violence and the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline has assisted over 11,000 Chicago-based call this year alone. As a department, we work to address this issue by working closely with our partners at the Department of Family and Support Services and the Mayor’s Office because we know that #Every1KnowsSome1. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text the Domestic Violence Hotline at 877-863-6338, or visit chi.gov/GetHelp for more resources.

Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Oct. 22-28 is: National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. It’s meant to bring government, organizations, and individuals together to increase lead poisoning prevention awareness and reduce childhood exposure to lead.

With nearly 9 of every 10 Chicago homes were built before lead paint was banned, in 1978, exposure to lead-based paint remains the overwhelming cause of childhood lead poisoning in Chicago. Despite our progress, the number of children with lead poisoning in Chicago exceeds the national average.

In Chicago, children with lead poisoning disproportionately live in poorly maintained rental properties on the South and West sides, which have been impacted by historic disinvestment and segregation

While Chicago has made great progress in preventing lead poisoning by identifying and remediating lead paint and dust hazards in children’s homes, there is still important work to be done to close that gap.

CDPH advises that ALL Chicago children have their lead levels checked at age 1, 2, and 3 years old, as part of their annual wellness checkups. Whenever a child is found to have an elevated level of lead, a CDPH public health nurse will reach out and do a social developmental assessment, provide nutritional counseling, and make referrals for additional services as needed. In addition, a CDPH inspector will work with the child’s family to ensure appropriate testing, follow-up and abatement/ mitigation of the source of the lead hazard.

CDPH provides support to tenants and homeowners with grant applications for lead abatement and healthy homes improvements. If you have any questions about lead blood lead levels and/or abatement, call CDPH’s Lead hotline, (312) 747-LEAD (5323). For additional information and resources, visit CDPH’s lead awareness website, chicago.gov/lead.

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