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Make an appointment now to get the COVID-19 shot at one of three West Side locations April 10. Call 773-261-3309 to get scheduled for the 4540 W. Washington, 2622 W. Jackson or 5151 W. Madison sites. All seniors, essential workers and people ages 18 to 64 with underlying health conditions are eligible to register as long as they’re Chicago residents.
Residents who are 18 and older can register to get the COVID-19 shots at one of two locations: Amundsen Park and Catalyst Circle Rock Charter School.
A virtual town hall held last weekend addressed the reservations some people have about getting the vaccine. Officials said it’s especially important that African Americans get vaccinated, since Black Chicagoans are dying at a higher rate than other groups.
Five hundred doses will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 27 at By The Hand Club For Kids, 415 N. Laramie Ave. Register ahead of time online or by calling.
Learn more about the importance of getting vaccinated at a virtual town hall sponsored by The Loretto Hospital. Speaking at Wednesday night’s event will be the hospital’s president and CEO, George Miller Jr., and its chief clinical officer, Dr. Nikhila Juvvadi. Tune in at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24.
But the demand for shots is much greater than the supply, said hospital CEO and President George Miller Jr. Loretto is partnering with community groups on the weekends, in addition to giving shots during the week at the hospital.
Chicago has moved to phase 1B of vaccine distribution, which includes people 65 and over and many essential workers. While some people are jumping at the chance to get the two shots, concern remains over misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine, especially among African Americans. The Westside Health Authority’s Good Neighbor Campaign held a meeting last week aimed at debunking misinformation and encouraging Austin residents to get vaccinated as soon as they can.
Austin minister Ira Acree, senior pastor of Greater St. John Bible Church, will be joining other faith leaders Wednesday to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Here’s his message to West Side residents, especially those who aren’t sure they want to be vaccinated when it’s their turn.
Free testing will be offered from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 19-22 at Friendship Baptist Church, 5200 W. Jackson Blvd., and Jan. 27-30 at 2nd Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 5729 W. Chicago Ave.
During a virtual press conference held Sunday, Congressman Danny Davis, city Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Alds. Emma Mitts (37th) and Jason Ervin (28th), and Cook County Commissioners Dennis Deer and Donna Miller said it’s imperative African Americans be willing to get the two-dose vaccine. Davis was among the first to get vaccinated earlier this month.