Find and book COVID vaccine and booster shot appointments in Illinois. Everyone 5+ years old is now eligible, with COVID booster shots available for certain immunocompromised individuals.
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In order to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, you’ll need to sign up for a complimentary One Medical temporary membership. This allows you to use One Medical’s app or website to book your vaccine appointment, get appointment reminders, and access virtual care if you need it. Sign up and download the app to book your vaccination appointment. This temporary membership should cover the time required to receive both doses of the vaccine, and is available only to those who are currently eligible for vaccination. Please be prepared to show proof of eligibility at your vaccine appointment. This location is currently vaccinating everyone 18+
The information provided here is based on certain publicly available data at time of posting and is subject to change without notice. Eligibility and availability of vaccines is regularly changing and as a result, the data here may not always be accurate. Always check with your local state health authority to verify current eligibility criteria and availability in your area and check with the listed vaccine provider location for updated availability information for a specific site.
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Latest COVID Vaccine updates
May 6, 2022
The Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV2 virus is intrinsically as severe as previous variants, according to a preprint version of a large U.S. study that counters assumptions in other studies that it was more transmissible but less severe. (Reuters)
May 2, 2022
COVID-19 cases are rising in nearly every corner of the United States, yet hospitalizations remain low, partly a reflection of greater immunity in the population. (NY Times)
Apr 26, 2022
CDC estimates that 3 in 4 children have had COVID-19 infections and more than half of all Americans had signs of previous infections (US News)
Apr 21, 2022
A viral offspring of the BA.2 COVID-19 subvariant, called BA.2.12.1, is gaining a foothold in the United States. The variant appears to be more transmissible than BA.2, but there is no evidence yet that it causes more severe disease. (Verywell Health)
Apr 11, 2022
Philadelphia is bringing back its indoor mask mandate beginning April 18 after a 50% increase in Covid-19 cases in the past 10 days. (Bloomberg)
Apr 7, 2022
The Omicron subvariant known as BA.2 is the dominant strain circulating around the U.S., accounting for almost three out of every four cases. (Axios)
Apr 7, 2022
A U.S. appeals court panel on Thursday reinstated President Joe Biden's executive order mandating that federal civilian employees be vaccinated against COVID-19. (Reuters)
Apr 5, 2022
FDA pulls authorization for GSK-Vir's COVID therapy as BA.2 cases rise. Data suggests these treatments are unlikely to be effective against the dominant Omicron sub-variant in the country. (Reuters)
Mar 29, 2022
FDA authorizes second coronavirus booster shot for people 50 and older, a decision intended to help shore up protection against severe illness. (Washington Post)
Mar 25, 2022
Nationwide, COVID-19 cases decreased 15 percent over the past 14 days, according to HHS data collected by The New York Times. But as the more contagious omicron subvariant BA.2 continues to spread, cases are ticking upward in 10 states and D.C. as of March 25. (Becker's Hospital Review)
Mar 23, 2022
Moderna’s two-dose Covid vaccine was about 44% effective at preventing infection from omicron in children 6 months to under 2 years old and about 38% effective for children 2- to 5-years-old
Mar 23, 2022
Moderna will seek emergency authorization of its vaccine for young children. Children under 5, a group of about 18 million, are the only Americans still not eligible for shots. (New York Times)
Mar 23, 2022
School mask mandates in the U.S. reduced COVID-19 Delta variant transmission by 72%, a study finds. (CityBeat)
Mar 22, 2022
After weeks in free fall, new Covid-19 cases are starting to level off in the US, as the BA.2 subvariant continues its ascent. (CNN)
Mar 22, 2022
While the new Omicron variant circulates, the U.S. Travel Association on Tuesday urged the White House to lift COVID-19 travel restrictions and repeal a mandate requiring masks on airplanes and in other transit modes by April 18. (Reuters)
Mar 22, 2022
Omicron BA.2 variant now represents more than 50% of COVID cases in parts of Northeast, CDC estimates (Wall Street Journal)
Mar 21, 2022
Multiple U.S. states will close mass COVID testing sites in the following weeks despite concerns from health experts that the country will be unprepared if a new wave of cases hits following reported surges in European countries. (Seattle Times)
Mar 21, 2022
Some scientists think we might be rolling up our sleeves each year not just for flu shots, but for COVID-19 vaccine, too. (CNN)
Mar 21, 2022
China battles biggest surge in Covid cases since original Wuhan outbreak. China says it recorded more than 4,300 new Covid-19 cases on March 20, according to the National Health Commission.
Mar 20, 2022
About 95% of Americans 16 and older have antibodies against COVID-19 as of December, the most recent date that data is available, according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CNN)
Mar 19, 2022
A study has shown 49.6% of those with long COVID reported they had difficulty getting medical professionals to take their symptoms seriously. 78% of people who reported they had long COVID symptoms during the study stated they experienced difficulties with concentration.
Mar 19, 2022
“I expect we’ll see a wave in the U.S. sooner than what most people expect,” said Kristian Andersen, a virologist at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, Calif. "Such a wave would be accompanied by rising hospitalizations and deaths.” (New Yotk Times)
Feb 1, 2022
Pfizer-BioNTech are expected to submit to the FDA as early as Tuesday a request for emergency-use authorization for their COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months to 5 years old. Those familiar with the situation indicate the vaccine for children under 5 could be available by the end of February (Washington Post)
Jan 19, 2022
COVID-19 cases in NYC show Omicron infections may be plummeting, a positive indication that the wave of the highly infectious variant may subside as quickly as it arrived.
Jan 19, 2022
Three separate lab studies indicate Paxlovid, Pfizer's COVID pill, is effective against the Omicron variant despite its mutations (Wall Street Journal)
Jan 18, 2022
The USPS is now taking orders for free COVID-19 test kits and will prioritize shipments to Americans from ZIP codes that have experienced high rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths, with the first 20% of each day's orders going to those areas. (NPR)
Jan 11, 2022
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. State Department on Monday advised against travel to neighboring Canada because of a rising number of COVID cases as the omicron variant spreads. (NBC News)
Jan 11, 2022
The omicron-driven surge has sent COVID-19 hospitalizations skyrocketing across the U.S., reaching a new pandemic high this week with 145,982 patients hospitalized. Patients with COVID now fill about 30% of ICU beds in the nation. (NPR)
Jan 11, 2022
The Biden administration announced Monday that insurance companies and health plans will be required to cover eight free over-the-counter at-home tests per covered individual per month. For instance, a family of four all on the same plan would be able to get up to 32 of these tests covered by their health plan per month. (NPR)
Jan 4, 2022
The Omicron variant accounted for more than 95% of all new COVID-19 cases reported in the past week that ended Saturday, up from 77% and 38% for the prior two weeks, respectively. (CDC)
Jan 4, 2022
Nearly 1 in 100 Americans have tested positive for the virus in just the last week, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Over 1 million cases were reported in the U.S. on Monday alone, which is the highest during the Pandemic. (USA Today)
Jan 3, 2022
The Omicron coronavirus variant is better at circumventing vaccinated peoples' immunity than the Delta variant, according to a Danish study published last week, helping explain why Omicron is spreading more rapidly. (Reuters)
Jan 3, 2022
According to the FDA, “Early data suggests that antigen tests do detect the omicron variant but may have reduced sensitivity,” citing findings from a preliminary lab study shared Dec. 28. This means that more false negative antigen tests are possible, particularly in the early stages of the disease.
Dec 28, 2021
Rising COVID-19 cases contributed to airlines canceling more than 1,000 flights on Monday, prompting Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, to suggest the government consider mandating vaccines for domestic flights. (Reuters)
Dec 28, 2021
The CDC has cut the amount of time it recommends people should isolate after testing positive for COVID-19 from 10 days to 5. Health officials similarly reduced the amount of time a person should quarantine after coming into contact with someone who tests positive. (USA Today)
Dec 28, 2021
Despite the spread of the Omicron variant, the U.S. has only a 62% vaccination rate with the least vaccinated counties remaining unswayed (NY Times)
Dec 22, 2021
FDA authorizes Pfizer’s Covid treatment pill, the first oral antiviral drug cleared during the pandemic (CNBC)
Dec 20, 2021
Fauci: Pfizer’s possibly game-changing COVID-19 pill won’t be widely available for ‘months’ (Forbes)
Dec 17, 2021
CDC has narrowed use of J&J vaccine, officially recommending the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines when they are available. The recommendation follows growing concerns about rare blood clots associated with the J&J vaccine.
Dec 16, 2021
The CDC has warned that the rapidly spreading Omicron variant could bring a COVID-19 punishing wave as soon as January, while indicating existing vaccine regimen plus boosters are effective in protecting against serious illness and death. (Washington Post)
Dec 16, 2021
United States stands on the cusp of surpassing 800,000 deaths from the virus, with 600,000 of those deaths being people 65 and older. In fact, One in 100 older Americans has died from the virus. In fact, 1 in 100 older Americans has died from the virus. (New York Times)
Dec 12, 2021
Omicron may require fourth vaccine dose sooner than expected, Pfizer says (Washington Post)
Dec 7, 2021
Researchers in South Africa, where the Omicron COVID-19 variant is spreading quickly, say it may cause less serious COVID cases than other forms of the virus, but it is unclear whether that will hold true. (NY Times)
Dec 1, 2021
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Omicron COVID-19 variant has now been identified in at least 24 countries, including the United States with the first reported case being identified in California. (NPR, New York Times)
Nov 29, 2021
The World Health Organization is warning that the new omicron variant of the coronavirus poses a "very high" global risk because of the possibility that it spreads more easily and might resist vaccines and immunity in people who were infected with previous strains. (NPR)
Nov 19, 2021
FDA has authorized COVID booster shots for all fully vaccinated Americans who are age 18 and older for both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. CDC will make the final determination on Friday.
Nov 5, 2021
Pfizer antiviral pill reduced risk of covid hospitalization and death by 89 percent in high-risk people, company study shows. The protective effect was so convincing that an independent panel monitoring a trial of the drug advised it be stopped early. (Washington Post)
Nov 3, 2021
CDC has officially recommended the pediatric dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, opening the door for 28 million US kids to be vaccinated. This decision follows "robust" antibody response and "favorable" safety outcomes in kids who received the two-dose regimen in clinical trials. (CDC, NPR)
Oct 29, 2021
FDA has emergency use authorized (EUA) the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children 5 to 11 for. Experts said the shot could bring relief to parents anxious about their children getting sick, though some worry that those most at risk may slip through the cracks. (NY Times)
Oct 26, 2021
FDA advisory panel has unanimously recommended Pfizer’s low-dose COVID vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11. The endorsement was a critical step in getting more kids in the U.S. protected against the virus. The agency doesn’t always follow the advice of its independent committee, but it often does. (CNBC)
Oct 21, 2021
For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months ago, the following groups are eligible for a COVID booster shot: (1) 65 years and older, (2) Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings, (3) Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions, and (4) Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings. For people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18+ and who were vaccinated two or more months ago. (CDC)
Oct 15, 2021
U.S. FDA advisers vote to recommend Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine booster for people 18 and older at least 2 months after first dose. (Reuters)
Oct 14, 2021
FDA vaccine advisers recommend emergency use authorization for booster dose of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine to people 65 and older and to those 18 to 64 with risk factors for severe illness. (CNN)
Oct 7, 2021
Starting Oct. 30, the Canadian government will require all air travelers and passengers on interprovincial trains to be vaccinated against COVID-19. (USA Today)
Oct 7, 2021
Pfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11, formally filing its application with the FDA. If regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks. (AP)
Oct 6, 2021
In a study of 3.4 million people at Kaiser Permanente Southern California between Dec 14, 2020 and Aug 8, 2021 it has been found that Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine remains highly protective against hospitalization and death. SARS-CoV-2 infection protection of fully vaccinated individuals was found to be 73%, and COVID-19-induced hospitalization protection was 90%. The effectiveness against infections dropped from 88% during the first month following full vaccination to 47% after 5 months. (news-medical.net)
Oct 1, 2021
About a third of parents say they want to vaccinate their 5-to-11-year-old children “right away” once a coronavirus vaccine is available for that age group, according to a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation. (Washington Post)
Sep 28, 2021
Pfizer submits data to FDA, seeking emergency use authorization (EUA) for its COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 These younger kids could be vaccinated by Halloween, Pfizer CEO says. (NBC News)
Sep 27, 2021
The COVID pandemic has become the deadliest outbreak in American history. According to data from Johns Hopkins University 681,253 individuals in the U.S. have died from COVID-19, with an estimated 675,000 people during the 1918 flu pandemic. (Smithsonian)
Sep 27, 2021
Tens of thousands of health care workers in New York appeared to be risking their jobs by defying the state mandate to receive a dose of a coronavirus vaccine by Monday, setting up an early test for similar employer mandates across the United States. (New York Times)
Sep 24, 2021
The CDC has announced recommendations for booster shots and who should receive them:
(1) People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,(2) People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,(3) People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks, and(4) People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
Sep 23, 2021
The FDA has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for a booster dose of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in people 65 and older, people at high risk of severe disease, and people whose jobs put them at risk of infection. (CNN)
Sep 20, 2021
Pfizer reports a low dose of their COVID vaccine is safe and effective in children ages 5 to 11 and are seeking emergency use authorization as they continue to accumulate data to support an application for full approval in children. (Washington Post)
Sep 14, 2021
Top U.S. health officials believe that Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine could be authorized for children aged 5-11 years old by the end of October (Reuters)
Sep 13, 2021
According to the CDC, it is safe and effective to get both a COVID booster and a flu shot at the same time. (Washington Post)
Sep 9, 2021
President Biden and the U.S. Department of Labor will issue a rule requiring businesses with more than 100 employees to have their workers vaccinated or tested weekly, officials said on Thursday.
Sep 9, 2021
Authorities are expecting an active flu season this year, threatening hospitals already struggling to keep up with COVID-19 strains. There is hope that COVID and flu vaccines will keep case counts low this winter. (Wall Street Journal)
Sep 7, 2021
World Health Organization (WHO): COVID-19 is likely “here to stay” as the virus continues to mutate similarly to the influenza (flu) pandemic viruses. (CNBC)
Aug 23, 2021
U.S. FDA has officially granted full approval to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
Aug 18, 2021
CDC: COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines “may now be administered without regard to timing.” This includes receiving COVID-19 and flu vaccines on the same day, as well as co-administration within 14 days. (CDC)
Aug 17, 2021
The flu vaccine may lower the risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Researchers studied nearly 75,000 COVID-19 patients, half of whom had received the most recently available flu shot.
Aug 15, 2021
CDC reports that COVID-19 has caused more pediatric deaths than the flu since the pandemic began.
Aug 13, 2021
Pediatric hospitals are seeing a spike in RSV cases as COVID-19 Delta variant continues, flu season approaches.
Aug 4, 2021
The Delta variant now accounts for about 93% of all COVID-19 cases in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Aug 3, 2021
The seven-day average of daily COVID cases in the U.S. surpassed the peak seen last summer when the nation didn’t have an authorized vaccine, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said. Friday July 30 saw 72,790 new COVID cases nationwide.
Jul 27, 2021
CDC is now recommending vaccinated people wear masks indoors as number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
Jul 9, 2021
CDC says no COVID booster doses needed right now: "Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time," read a joint statement sent Thursday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.
Jul 9, 2021
A top state official stated Tuesday that every person who died from COVID-19 in Maryland last month was unvaccinated, inline with recent evidence that the vaccine has made nearly all coronavirus-related deaths nationwide avoidable.
Jul 9, 2021
Pfizer to seek U.S. authorization for COVID booster shot. Based on evidence of increased risk of reinfection six months after inoculation and the propagation of the extremely contagious Delta variant, Pfizer plans to petition US authorities to approve a booster dosage of its COVID-19 vaccine within the next month, the drugmaker's chief scientist said on Thursday.
May 17, 2021
50.7% of Illinois residents have received their first vaccine dose. 36.5% of residents have completed vaccination.
May 14, 2021
Target, Home Depot, CVS and Harris Teeter are among the chains that will continue to require masks in store, though they are reviewing new CDC guidance and reevaluating store policies.
May 14, 2021
Walmart, the nation's largest retailer, says fully vaccinated employees and customers will not need to wear a mask inside stores beginning on Tuesday, based on the latest guidance from the CDC.
May 13, 2021
CDC: If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal or territorial laws, incl. local business and workplace guidance.
May 10, 2021
The FDA has authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in adolescents 12 and older. This announcement came after Pfizer’s recent trial of the vaccine in adolescents which demonstrated that the vaccine is at least as effective as it is in adults.
May 5, 2021
Walgreens will offer same-day COVID vaccination appointments in all retail locations nationwide beginning Wednesday, with walk-in appointments available at select stores as well. Since vaccinations began in December, Walgreens says it has administered more than 15 million vaccine doses. (nbc)
May 4, 2021
The Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorize Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine for administration to adolescents by early next week, according to a federal health official with knowledge of the agency's plans. The move would allow many American middle- and high-school students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 well before the start of the next school year, using a shot Pfizer claims demonstrated "100% efficacy" in children as young as 12 years old with side effects similar to those that have occurred in young adults. (CBS News)
May 3, 2021
Walgreens announced that it is launching multiple mobile COVID vaccination clinics in Chicago. The traveling clinics "will focus on bringing COVID-19 vaccines directly to underserved communities and those with barriers to accessing the vaccine." The pharmacy giant said individuals will be able to walk up to a mobile clinic and get vaccinated that same day. (nbc)
May 3, 2021
The U.S. announced it will restrict travel from India starting Tuesday, citing the devastating rise in COVID-19 cases in the country and the emergence of potentially dangerous variants of the coronavirus. While the overall number of lives lost to COVID-19 in the U.S. has eclipsed 575,000, deaths have plummeted to an average of about 670 per day from a peak of around 3,400 in mid-January. (abc)
May 3, 2021
The number of Americans fully vaccinated against COVID tops 100 million. This means 39% of the nation's adult population has been fully vaccinated. (abc)
Apr 29, 2021
People with a history or risk of lymphedema in both arms, who have (or had) breast cancer, and people who need a mammogram within six weeks of their Covid-19 vaccine should consider seeking a vaccine site that will administer the vaccine in their thigh. “I just advise patients to call ahead, let the vaccine clinic know or the pharmacy know that they’re asking for the vaccine in the thigh,” said Cheryl Brunelle, the associate director of the Lymphedema Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “I also counsel patients that if a local facility or practitioner giving the vaccine is not familiar with the thigh as an approved alternate site, the patient can share the C.D.C. Standing Orders document that lists the thigh as an alternative site for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.”
Apr 28, 2021
The United States is reporting an average of 2.7 million daily COVID-19 vaccinations over the past week, according to data from the CDC, about equivalent to levels one month ago. Daily reported vaccinations peaked at 3.4 million on April 13. More than 40% of Americans have received at least one shot, and that figure is roughly 54% for those age 18 and older. Half of the adults are at least partially vaccinated in a majority of states. (CNBC)
Apr 27, 2021
The rate of COVID-19 vaccinations in the U.S. continued to slide in recent days, according to CDC data, as the seven-day average of daily shots reported administered fell to 2.7 million on Monday, the lowest level since late March.
Apr 27, 2021
The CDC on Tuesday eased guidelines on mask-wearing for Americans, noting many outdoor activities are now safe without a mask following significant progress with the COVID-19 vaccine and reductions in new daily cases nationwide.
Apr 26, 2021
As of Sunday, April 25, Virginia has had 654,210 total cases of COVID-19, including confirmed lab tests and clinical diagnoses, according to the Virginia Department of Health. That total reflects a 884 case increase since Saturday. The Virginia Department of Health reports a 6.1% 7-day positivity rate for total testing encounters, and a 5.5% 7-day positivity rate for PCR tests. 16 additional deaths were reported on Sunday, leaving the death toll at 10,691.
Apr 26, 2021
The Madison County Health Department (MCHD) is now accepting walk-in appointments at its COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Appointments are preferred to help with planning but walk-ins are now welcome.
Apr 23, 2021
A CDC advisory committee called the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is set to meet on Friday to continue its discussion of the rare blood clots seen in a small number of patients who have received Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine.
Apr 23, 2021
A single dose of Oxford-AstraZeneca or Pfizer-BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine reduces the risk of infection by 65% in adults of all ages, British researchers have found.
Apr 23, 2021
CDC: Johnson & Johnson vaccine administration should be resumed immediately with a warning about potential rare blood clots
Apr 22, 2021
More than 86 million U.S. adults are now fully vaccinated with more than 200 million shots administered, but experts fear that enthusiasm for getting the vaccine could be falling and many Americans may be too eager to take off their masks.
Apr 21, 2021
31.2% of Louisiana residents have received their first vaccine dose. 24.1% of residents have completed vaccination.
Apr 21, 2021
One of the largest reports on COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy boosts evidence that it is safe although the authors say more comprehensive research is needed.The study consisted of 35,000 U.S. women who received either the Moderna or Pfizer shots while pregnant. Their rates of miscarriage, premature births and other complications were comparable to those observed in published reports on pregnant women before the pandemic.
Apr 20, 2021
The University of Chicago Medicine is collaborating with a coalition of 60 of America's top hospitals and health care institutions on a nationwide campaign to encourage COVID-19 vaccination. The "Get the Vaccine to Save Lives" campaign is designed to reassure the public that vaccines are safe, effective and necessary to achieve herd immunity and a return to normal activities.
Apr 19, 2021
According to data compiled by Denver Public Health, Latinos comprise only 13 percent of city residents who have gotten an initial shot, compared to 72 percent of white residents (the race and/or ethnicity of at least 12 percent of people who got their first vaccine is unknown). Meanwhile, Latinos make up 48 percent of COVID-19 cases in the city and 30 percent of the city’s overall population.
Apr 19, 2021
Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine, which currently requires two doses and is said to be over 90 percent effective against the virus, will likely include a third shot made available later this year.
Apr 18, 2021
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced that half of all US adults have received at least one COVID shot. Nearly 130 million people 18 and older, or 50.4% of the total adult population, have received at least one dose of a vaccine. Almost 84 million adults, or about 32.5% of the population, have been fully vaccinated. (CDC)
Apr 16, 2021
Pfizer CEO announced that recipients of their vaccine will likely need a booster shot within 12 months. He stated that "I think for planning purposes only, we should expect that we may have to boost.” A booster shot may be an important safeguard against new variants of the COVID-19 virus. (nbc)
Apr 15, 2021
Dr. Fauci says this is a pause and not a cancellation of the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine. It will likely last days to weeks to determine next steps. "I doubt very seriously if we're talking about weeks to months," he told CNN on Wednesday.
Apr 13, 2021
CDC and FDA recommend US pause use of Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine over blood clot concerns; six reported US cases of a "rare and severe" type of blood clot caused the initial concern.
Apr 12, 2021
All Illinois residents 16 and older are now eligible to schedule their vaccination appointment. The FEMA mass vaccination site at the Dome at America's Center is open seven days a week from 8 AM to 6 PM for the next several weeks, and is allowing walk-ins.
Apr 9, 2021
Just short of 20 percent of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated, giving some 66 million people a strong measure of protection against a disease that has already killed more than 500,000 Americans. (Washington Post)
Apr 6, 2021
President Joe Biden is expected to announce that states should open COVID-19 vaccine appointments to all U.S. adults by April 19, moving up his original deadline by nearly two weeks, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki confirmed Tuesday.
Apr 6, 2021
Vaccination eligibility is opening up throughout the country. However, there are more people eligible for a vaccine right now than there are doses. Securing an appointment continues to be a long, difficult process for many. Here are 10 tips for getting a vaccine sooner →
Apr 4, 2021
Illinois’ coronavirus positivity rate remains at a two-month high, seeing a troubling upward trend in its pandemic numbers that could lead officials to tighten restrictions on businesses once again.
Apr 3, 2021
Pfizer/BioNTech have announced their COVID-19 vaccine affords at least 6 months of protection following the second dose. The vaccine was 91.3% effective against COVID-19 in an analysis of 927 symptomatic people through March 13, as indicated by real-world data compiled since the vaccine was given emergency use authorization. This compares to 95% efficacy reported in the interim results that were announced on Nov. 18, 2020.
Apr 3, 2021
More than 4 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine were administered in the past 24 hours, setting a new record and bringing the seven-day average over 3 million a day, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Saturday.
Apr 3, 2021
The Biden administration on Saturday put Johnson & Johnson in charge of a Baltimore manufacturing plant that ruined 15 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine, and stopped the facility from making another vaccine developed by AstraZeneca.
Apr 3, 2021
COVID-19 vaccine appointments at Chicago State University are now open to certain zip codes. The Chicago State University site will serve 1,200 walk-up and 1,000 drive-thru appointments a day. It will operate six days a week, Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Apr 3, 2021
More than 100 million people in the U.S. have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday. The news comes just two weeks after President Joe Biden announced he reached his 100-day goal of administering 100 million doses and expanded his goal to 200 million. As of Thursday, 157.6 million doses have been administered, according to CDC data. More than 200 million doses have been delivered to states and vaccine providers.
Apr 2, 2021
Fauci said the United States has enough contracts with other vaccine makers to vaccinate its entire population, and may not need AstraZeneca Covid vaccine even for booster shots in the fall
Apr 2, 2021
A recent study of 131 women recently conducted by Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and published in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology shows the COVID vaccines are not only safe and effective for pregnant and breastfeeding women, they may also offer some protection for their babies.
Mar 31, 2021
Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and 100% effective in preventing the illness in ages 12 to 15 and plans to request emergency use authorization extending vaccine administration to the adolescent age group.
Mar 31, 2021
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC: "Vaccinated people do not carry the virus — they don’t get sick.” Walensky was referring to a new CDC study that suggests those fully inoculated with the vaccines produced by Moderna and Pfizer don’t transmit the virus.
Mar 30, 2021
Ninety percent of Americans will be eligible for their shots by April 19, President Joe Biden said yesterday as he expanded the number of vaccine sites. More than a dozen states are opening vaccines to all adults this week.
Mar 29, 2021
Illinois expands eligibility to additional essential workers on Monday, March 29. Some groups that are included in this new phase are food and beverage workers, construction trade workers and religious leaders. Meanwhile, Chicago is moving into the next phase of its vaccine rollout, Phase 1C, expanding eligibility for residents with underlying health conditions and an additional group of essential workers.
Mar 25, 2021
Pregnant mothers pass COVID antibodies to their newborns. A large study at Massachusetts General Hospital has determined that mothers pass COVID immunity to their children through the placenta and breastmilk. [harvard.edu]
Mar 25, 2021
As of Wednesday 16,000 First dose appointments have been released around several locations in Cook county to Phase 1b eligible residents. To sign up online, go to vaccine.cookcountyil.gov. Residents can also make appointments 833-308-1988.
Mar 11, 2021
As of March 13, CVS has added 12 more states to its list of pharmacies offering vaccinations. The new states are: Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nevada, Oklahoma, Utah and Vermont. After previously expanding to New York and Pennsylvania.
Mar 1, 2021
The FDA has authorized use of Johnson & Johnson's single-dose vaccine.
Feb 25, 2021
Pfizer expects to triple its vaccine production by mid-March. An FDA advisory board will meet to determine whether to grant Johnson & Johnson an EAU.
Feb 25, 2021
Chicago to prioritize homeless populations and congregate care settings to protect vulnerable residents.
Feb 12, 2021
CVS, Hy-Vee and Walgreens to begin administering vaccines February 12, 2021
Feb 11, 2021
All counties apart from Cook County and the city of Chicago plan to extend eligibility to frontline essential employees such as utilities, education personnel and government workers, as well as seniors 65 and older on February 25, 2021.
COVID Vaccine FAQs
Where can I get a COVID vaccine in Illinois?
The COVID vaccine is currently available to eligible individuals in California from most retail pharmacies, hospitals, healthcare centers, urgent care clinics, doctors offices and community vaccination hubs. Appointments are required at most locations.
Who is eligible to get the COVID vaccine in Illinois?
As of November 2, the Pfizer vaccine has received EUA from the FDA and approval from the CDC to vaccinate kids 5-11 years old. At this point, everyone 5+ years old in Illinois are eligible for the COVID vaccine. The CDC recommends everyone ages 5 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19. Vaccines for children under 5 years old are still awaiting results of clinical trials and approval from the FDA.
When can my child get the shot in Illinois?
Clinical trials are currently underway to determine whether the vaccines are safe and effective for use for younger children 11 years old and younger. While it is possible that a vaccine will be approved for use in these age groups before the start of school in August 2021, Dr. Anthony Fauci recently stated during a White House COVID-19 response briefing that there could be "enough information to be able to safely vaccinate children of virtually any age" by the end of the year, citing recent data from Pfizer on the safety and efficacy of its vaccine in adolescents. While these age groups remain unvaccinated, social distancing and masking policies will keep your child safe from infection. We will update this page as the situation develops.
What pharmacies are administering the COVID vaccine in Illinois?
Independent pharmacies, as well as regional and national chains, are administering the COVID vaccine across the country. Most are partnered with HHS directly to make the vaccine available as quickly as possible. Here are a few of the major pharmacy chains administering the vaccine with details on how to register for an appointment:
Albertsons. Albertsons will be making the COVID vaccine available at stores nationwide based on regional distribution and eligibility schedules. Appointments fill up fast and they will release appointments as they receive supply.
CVS. CVS stores nationwide are adding the COVID vaccine to their online schedule as it becomes available in each market, allowing people to schedule both their first and second doses (as applicable).
Costco. Costco pharmacies will be administering COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they are available, in accordance with CDC and state guidelines. Register on their website. Note: Please do not contact the local Costco pharmacy as they are unable to schedule an appointment or provide current eligibility requirements.
Kroger. Kroger is partnering with federal and state agencies to deliver one million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine per week across their pharmacies, clinics, and off-site events. Their website will be regularly updated with information on local availability.
Rite Aid. Rite Aid pharmacies are scheduling vaccine appointments in accordance with local and state eligibility requirements. Check the linked PDF for the latest details. Note: Please do not call your local Rite Aid pharmacy for a vaccine appointment.
Target. Target expects to be able to start distributing the COVID vaccine in partnership with CVS and their on-site pharmacy locations. Check the CVS pharmacy website for updates and dates when more vaccines will become available.
Walgreens. Walgreens will be providing COVID vaccines to consumers at all of its 9,000+ store locations. Check their website to see which locations presently offer the vaccine and their appointment availability.
Walmart. Walmart is administering the vaccines based on state and federal eligibility guidelines and is scheduling appointments at thousands of their stores nationwide. Check their website often for availability as the vaccine continues rolling out to more stores.
How much does the COVID vaccine cost?
No fees will be charged to get vaccinated. You may be required to provide insurance information when you receive your vaccine. If there is a charge associated with administration of the vaccine, your insurance or the Health Resources and Services Administration's Provider Relieve Fund will compensate providers with no cost to you.
Do I need to be a Illinois resident to receive the vaccine?
Proof of state (or even US) residency will not be required in order to receive a COVID vaccine. Any personal information shared with vaccination centers can not be used for civil or criminal prosecution.
Will I be able to receive the vaccine if I’ve already contracted COVID-19?
Yes, people who have had COVID-19 can still get the vaccine. The CDC recommends you wait 90 days after you have recovered to receive it.
Do I need to keep wearing a mask and social distancing after I have been vaccinated?
For the most part, yes. Social distancing and masking policies are still in effect after you have been vaccinated. Gatherings of individuals who have been fully vaccinated for two weeks are now allowed, as well as gatherings of up to two unvaccinated households with no medically vulnerable members.
How long will the COVID vaccine last?
New research finds that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines provide viral immunity for at least 6 months, but since COVID-19 is so new, experts aren’t sure if immunity will wane after that. A vaccine is a medicine designed to defend against diseases by introducing the immune system to a virus in a safe way. This process allows the immune system to learn how to defeat it by generating antibodies specific to the virus. These antibodies will help ward off future infections and in some cases prevent re-infection. Scientists are still researching how long antibodies last for coronavirus (COVID-19), which could inform how long a vaccine will last.
Am I eligible for a COVID vaccine booster shot?
According to the CDC, COVID-19 Vaccine booster shots are available for the following Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine recipients who completed their initial series at least 6 months ago and are:
65 years and older
Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
Age 18+ who work in high-risk settings
Age 18+ who live in high-risk settings
Facts About the COVID Vaccine
Key facts about COVID-19 vaccines in Illinois
Studies have shown that COVID-19 vaccines are safe to get and highly effective at preventing you from getting COVID-19. Even if you do get COVID-19, the vaccine prevents you from getting seriously ill. The more people that get vaccinated, the faster we can get back to normal life.
They’re safe. Rigorous clinical trials must show that vaccines are safe and effective before they’re authorized for public use. Millions of people have received COVID-19 vaccines, which have undergone the most intensive safety monitoring in US history.
They’re effective. All approved vaccines are proven to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19. Based on what we know so far, experts believe that all the approved vaccines will nearly 100% prevent serious illness and death. They may also help protect family, friends, and those around you.
They’re free. COVID-19 vaccines will be free for all Americans under the CARES act. The US government has already ordered and paid for hundreds of millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses using US tax dollars to ensure that everyone who wants one can get one.
Top vaccine myths
When deciding to get vaccinated, it’s important to separate fact from fiction.
The vaccines will not make you sick with COVID-19.
The vaccines do not have a microchip that will track you.
The mRNA COVID vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer) will not alter your DNA.
If you already had COVID-19, that does not mean you don’t need the vaccine.
Approved COVID Vaccines & Boosters for Illinois
Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson have each developed COVID vaccines and received emergency use authorization (EUA). Pfizer's vaccine has received EUA for individuals 12 years of age and older, while both Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are approved for people 16 and up. During the initial rollout of the vaccine, however, it is unlikely individuals will be able to choose which vaccine they want.
Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) COVID vaccine
On December 11, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued the first EUA for a vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 in individuals . The emergency use authorization allowed the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S. to individuals 16 years of age and older.
On May 10, 2021 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an EAU for use of the vaccine in children from the ages 12-16. This announcement came after Pfizer’s recent trial of the vaccine in adolescents which demonstrated that the vaccine is at least as effective as it is in adults.
On August 23, 2021, the FDA fully approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, now being referred to as Comirnaty, for ages 16+. The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), including for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.
On November 2, 2021, the FDA provider emergency use authorization (EUA) to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11, making the Pfizer vaccine now available for everyone in the U.S. 5 years of age and older.
Pfizer, in partnership with BioNTech, released an efficacy analysis of their phase 3 trials involving 42,000 people, about half of whom got the experimental vaccine with the other half receiving a placebo. 170 participants contracted COVID-19 with only 8 of them being from the vaccine cohort. This equates to a 95% vaccination success rate, which is about as good as any vaccine, even after years of development, can ever expect. The inoculation process involves two doses, with the second dose administered 3 weeks after the first.
Moderna, NAID COVID vaccine
On December 18, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an EUA for the second vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19. The emergency use authorization allows the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S for use in individuals 18 years of age and older.
On June 25, 2021, the FDA revised the patient and provider fact sheets regarding the suggested increased risks of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart) following vaccination.
On August 12, 2021, the FDA amended the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine EUA to allow for an additional dose to be given to certain immunocompromised individuals.
Similarly to Pfizer, Moderna’s is a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine with a nearly identical efficacy rate of 94.1%. These results follow a 30,000-volunteer study with only 11 positive COVID cases occurring from the group that received the vaccines rather than the placebo. Unlike the Pfizer vaccine, the Moderna version does not have as strict refrigeration requirements, likely making their vaccine more easily transported, stored, and administered through existing healthcare infrastructure.
Johnson & Johnson vaccine
In clinical trials, the J&J/Janssen vaccine was 66.3% effective at preventing laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 illness in people 2 weeks after receiving the vaccine, and had high efficacy at preventing hospitalization and death in people who did get sick. No one who got COVID-19 at least 4 weeks after receiving the J&J/Janssen vaccine had to be hospitalized.
Early evidence suggests that the J&J/Janssen vaccine might provide protection against asymptomatic infection, which is when a person is infected by the virus that causes COVID-19 but does not get sick.
What to Expect
What to expect on vaccination day in Illinois
Because COVID-19 vaccines are new, you may have questions about what happens before, during and after your vaccine appointment. Here are some things you can do to prepare.
Before your vaccination:
Wear loose-fitting or sleeveless clothing so healthcare workers can easily access your upper arm.
Be sure you’re hydrated and limit your intake of alcohol the night before your appointment.
It is not recommended to take over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to try and prevent vaccine-related side effects.
Do not schedule other vaccine appointments for at least 14 days before or after.
Bring proof of your eligibility to make sure you don’t get turned away when you arrive.
During your vaccination:
You AND your healthcare worker should wear a mask. Follow the CDC guidelines for protecting yourself and others while in public.
You’ll receive a vaccination card telling you which COVID vaccine you received and when. Bring the card to your second dose (for Pfizer or Moderna) and keep it in a safe place for the future.
You’ll be monitored on-site for a short period of time after receiving your vaccine to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction (which is very rare).
If you receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna,) you’ll need to schedule a second shot to make sure you get the most protection.
After your vaccination:
You may want to clear your schedule after your vaccination in case you experience side effects. Side effects are usually mild, but may affect your ability to work or go about your day as usual.
It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. Vaccines that require 2 shots (like Pfizer or Moderna) may not protect you until about 2 weeks after your second shot. Vaccines that require 1 shot (like Johnson & Johnson) take about 2 weeks to build protection as well.
Talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, or antihistamines, for any pain and discomfort you may experience after getting vaccinated. You can take these medications to relieve post-vaccination side effects if you have no other medical reasons that prevent you from taking these medications normally.
Possible side effects
Vaccine side effects are normal, healthy signs that your body is building protection. Side effects are typically mild and go away in a few days. If you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.
Side effects on your arm
Pain
Soreness
Redness, rash
Swelling
Tips to reduce arm discomfort
Apply cool, wet washcloth to the area
Use or exercise your affected arm
Side effects in your body
Tiredness
Headache, fever
Muscle aches
Chills
Tips to reduce fever discomfort
Drink plenty of fluids
Dress lightly
What to expect after vaccination
Congratulations! 2 weeks after your final vaccine dose, you’re considered fully vaccinated. That means you can start doing certain things you stopped during the pandemic. You should still take precautions in public, though, until scientists know more about how well vaccines prevent transmission to others.
You can gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people without wearing masks.
You can see unvaccinated people indoors, too, as long as they’re from one other household. (For example, visiting a child/grandchild and their family, or a group of friends who live together.)
If you’ve been around someone who has had COVID-19, you don’t need to stay away from others or get tested unless you start experiencing symptoms.
If you live in a group home or facility and are exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should still quarantine for 14 days and get a COVID test, even if you don’t have symptoms.
What safety measures should I continue taking?
You should still take the same precautions you’re used to (wearing a mask, staying 6 ft apart, avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated spaces) to protect yourself and others while in public, or when you gather with unvaccinated people from more than one household.
You should still delay domestic and international travel. If you do choose to travel, you still need to follow the CDC recommendations, as well as the local requirements of the place you’re visiting.
You should continue to monitor yourself for symptoms, especially if you’ve been around someone that’s feeling sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get a COVID test and stay away from others.
You should still continue to follow any guidelines set by your workplace and local businesses.
What scientists are still learning
Vaccines are safe and effective, but there are still questions scientists are working to understand. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.
How effective vaccines are against new variants of the virus.
How well vaccines keep people from spreading COVID to others.
How long vaccines will protect people from COVID.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD
Updated on Apr 25, 22
Sources
Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
The information on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For the latest information on the vaccines, please refer to the CDC at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html. In the event of a discrepancy between the information here and the CDC website, please follow the CDC guidance.