Will vaccines still be available?

Yes. Chicagoans ages 6 months and up can continue to receive COVID-19 vaccines after the public health emergency ends.

Where?

COVID-19 vaccines will still be widely available throughout the city, including at doctor’s offices, hospitals, pharmacies, community health centers, City-operated clinics and the Mobile CareVan.

Will guidance change?

No. The end of public health emergency will have no impact on who is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. In April, federal health officials updated guidance that simplifies the vaccination schedule for most individuals

Will they still be free?

Federally purchased vaccines will continue to be offered free of charge where available.

Will COVID-19 tests still be available?

Yes, at-home rapid antigen tests and lab-based PCR tests will continue to be available in Chicago.

Where?

At-Home tests will continue to be available:

• In pharmacies
• Through the U.S. Government while supplies last: Order at COVIDtests.gov

Lab-based tests will continue to be available:

• At select pharmacies – call for information
• At select hospitals and health clinics – call for information
• Visit https://testinglocator.cdc.gov to find no-cost testing

Will guidance change?

No, guidance about how and when to use COVID-19 testing will not change on May 11.

Will testing still be free?

It depends on the type of test and your insurance coverage. Visit our COVID Testing page for more information.

Will COVID-19 treatments still be available?

Yes, therapeutics to treat and limit the severity of COVID-19 will continue to be available after May 11.

Where?

Treatments will continue to be available from physicians, hospitals and pharmacies.

Will guidance change?

No, there will be no changes in who is eligible to receive treatments.

Will treatment still be free?

It depends on the type of insurance you have:

• Private insurance: Coverage for treatments and out of pocket costs will vary. Contact your insurer to learn more.
• Medicare: Will continue to cover all costs for treatment through December 31, 2024.
• Medicaid: Will continue to covered all costs for treatment until September 30, 2024.
• No insurance: Select pharmacies will continue to provide COVID-19 treatments with no out-of-pocket costs to uninsured individuals.

After May 11, individuals and families that receive health insurance through Medicaid will need to be reauthorized for coverage.

Where?

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will be contacting Medicaid enrollees regarding eligibility redetermination. Information will be mailed to different households at different times, starting in May and continuing for the next 14 months, and it is important that residents make sure their addresses are up to date with HFS