When can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Illinois is distributing the COVID-19 vaccine in a "phased approach".

• Phase 1A
• Phase 1B
• Phase 1C
  Persons aged 16 to 64 years with high-risk medical conditions
  Other essential workers
• Phase 2
  The rest of the population.

Where can I get the COVID vaccine?

All vaccinations are by appointment only.

Visit the State of Illinois COVID-19 Response page, enter your zip code and find the locations nearest you.

*As more doses become available, new sites and pharmacies will be added. Please check back regularly for available appointments.

What is the Illinois COVID-19 hotline number?

For general questions about COVID-19 and Illinois’ response guidance, call 1-800-889-3931 or email DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV.

The number for Chicago residents is 312-746-4835 or coronavirus@chicago.gov.

Is a COVID-19 vaccine safe?

The U.S. vaccine safety system is a deliberate and multi-phase process to ensure all vaccines are as safe as possible. Safety is a top priority. Vaccine candidates conduct clinical trials with many thousands of study participants to generate scientific data and other information for the FDA to determine their safety and effectiveness.

If the FDA determines a vaccine meets its safety and effectiveness standards, it can make these vaccines available for use in the U.S. by approval or Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). After the FDA makes its determination, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will review the available data in order to make vaccine recommendations to the CDC. ACIP will then recommend vaccine use. After a vaccine is authorized or approved for use, vaccine safety monitoring systems will watch for adverse events (possible side effects). The CDC is working to expand safety surveillance through new systems and additional information sources, as well as enhancing existing safety monitoring systems.

source: IDPH

How much will this vaccine cost me? Is it covered by my insurance?

There is no cost for the vaccine. However, vaccination providers will be able to charge an administration fee for giving the shot. Vaccine providers can get this fee reimbursed by the patient’s public or private insurance company or, for uninsured patients, by the Health Resources and Services Administration at the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Is the vaccine right for everyone?

The vaccine is appropriate & essential for nearly every adult.

The exceptions are as follows:

• You should delay vaccination if you've been diagnosed with COVID within the past 14 days or have a fever or other illness. In addition, CDC recommends the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine be separated from other vaccines, like the flu shot, by 14 days.
• The vaccination has not been studied on pregnant women and immunocompromised patients, so the CDC recommends those individuals consult their medical providers about vaccination.
• Individuals who have a history of severe allergic reactions should consult CDC guidance and their medical provider before vaccination, as there are rare reports of severe allergic reaction to the vaccine.

Can my employer force me to be vaccinated?

In most cases, school districts may require workers to get vaccinated, though the impact of that decision would have to be bargained with the union and would be subject to workers’ rights under the ADA and Civil Rights Act.

How can my union be engaged in ensuring all members understand the benefits and requirements around vaccination at my worksite?

Employers and unions should work together to educate workers about the vaccine. The union can demand to meet and bargain over the vaccination policy to ensure that the employer’s plan is fair and transparent.

What if I have a medical reason not to be vaccinated?

Employees may be entitled to an exemption to a vaccine requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or may be entitled to an exemption under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 based on a sincerely held religious belief. For a more detailed analysis please refer to the EEOC’s recently updated guidance titled, What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and other EEO Laws.