All Chicago mass COVID-19 vaccination sites to open for walk-in appointments starting Friday
Citing a long-awaited increase in COVID-19 vaccine supply, Chicago’s public health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady on Thursday said all city mass vaccination sites will accept walk-in appointments starting Friday.
The locations, which include the United Center site that is run in conjunction with the federal government, will open up access in order to accommodate residents who don’t want to or cannot schedule appointments ahead of time, Arwady said during a Thursday question-and-answer session. The announcement comes after three Cook County mass vaccination sites in the south suburbs — Matteson, Summit and Tinley Park — also opened up to walk-ins this week.
“We know that a lot of people are still having challenges getting appointments,” Arwady said. “We know there’s digital divides, and we know there’s people who may be, spur of the moment, might say, ‘Let’s get a vaccine.’ ”
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Arwady said making appointments through zocdoc.com/vaccine or calling 312-746-4835 is still the most foolproof way of ensuring an appointment goes through with less waiting, but for those who prefer just showing up, a “certain number of doses” will be up for grabs at all the city mass vaccination sites Friday. A list of the main locations can be found on the city website.
“Our supply has just not been up to our demand month after month after month, and I know how frustrating that has been for many people, but as of now, we have enough vaccine,” Arwady said. “It is really exciting because ... this is going to feel more like getting a flu shot.”
Also at the city-run inoculation sites, all residents 16 or older can get a shot starting Thursday because the locations all use the Pfizer vaccine, which is the only one approved under emergency federal authorization for 16 and 17-year-olds, Arwady said. Those residents should bring a parent or guardian to the appointment.
