(DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)As of today, March 29, the city of Chicago has opened COVID-19 vaccine appointments to employees of higher education institutions. Chicago residents who are faculty, staff or student employees at DePaul may seek appointments at distribution sites within city limits.
The state of Illinois opened eligibility to higher education employees on March 22 at more than 900 sites in the state's provider network. The opening of phase 1c today in Chicago means Chicago residents who are eligible under this phase now have access to a wider network of sites, in addition to those offered through the state.
There are multiple ways to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, but all require an appointment. There are currently no walk-in vaccinations.
Employees who are Chicago residents can seek appointments at city points of distribution sites, known as PODS. These sites are only available to Chicago residents and are by appointment only via Zocdoc.
Zocdoc is a centralized vaccine booking site and can be used by all employees who are city residents. Please visit zocdoc.com/vaccine, confirm your location and eligibility and receive real-time appointment availability. Zocdoc also is the only way to access appointments at the United Center mass vaccination site.
In addition, all employees who are Illinois residents, including Chicago residents, can seek appointments:
- Through state- and county-run distribution sites: You can search for locations on the Illinois Department of Public Health website. Illinois residents who do not have access to online services or need assistance navigating them can call the toll-free IDPH hotline at (833) 621-1284 to book an appointment.
- Through pharmacies: Each has its own registration system, which can be found at the following links: Walgreens, Mariano's, Walmart, CVS and Jewel Osco. Be sure to confirm eligibility requirements as some may vary by city or county. (DePaul University and the City of Chicago do not endorse any of the listed pharmacies. This list is provided only as a convenience. See the full disclaimer from the City of Chicago here.)
- Through your health care provider, including your primary care provider, health clinic or hospital where you have received medical care in the past. Please note that most health care providers will continue to give priority to those ages 65 years and older. Please reach out directly to your providers to schedule appointments.
DePaul's COVID-19 Vaccine webpage has information on the different ways to make an appointment. If you live outside of Illinois, please check your state's guidelines for eligibility and access information.
DePaul encourages everyone who is eligible to receive a vaccine to pursue appointments through all available avenues. The Chicago Department of Public Health is urging people to take the first appointment and vaccine available. All three vaccines with Emergency Use Authorization have 100% efficacy against hospitalization and death. The best vaccine is the one you can get.
City and state officials urge patience in seeking appointments. While supplies are expected to increase, the demand may make it difficult to find an appointment immediately. Even if you are eligible, it may take weeks to get an appointment.
For DePaul's general student body, keep in mind that people ages 16 and over become eligible to receive the vaccine on April 12 under the state of Illinois' plan. It is likely the City of Chicago will open eligibility to this larger group at a later date.
Have any questions? Call DePaul at (773) 325-3221. This hotline is answered by DePaul staff, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call takers can help answer questions on vaccine eligibility and appointment locations. Please note call takers will NOT book appointments for you. You can also email DePaulCommunityHealth@depaul.edu.
DePaul will continue to share more information as it becomes available.