Health

Respiratory Virus Season Has Arrived. Here’s How Chicago-Area Residents Can Receive Flu and COVID-19 Shots

Chicago and suburban Cook County residents will have opportunities Saturday and through the next several months to receive free flu and COVID-19 shots, as local public health departments roll out immunization outreach efforts.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are generally recommended for all people ages 6 months and older, according to vaccine guidance issued last month by the Illinois Department of Public Health, and which Chicago area health departments have since endorsed.

“Unfortunately, we’re entering the time of year where visits to our emergency departments start climbing as more and more people get seriously ill from the flu or COVID-19,” Cook County Health CEO Dr. Erik Mikaitis said in a Tuesday statement. “Vaccination really is the best defense in preventing acute complications and hospitalization.”

Only 14% of residents in Cook County received a COVID-19 shot last respiratory virus season, according to IDPH data, while 30% of residents received a flu vaccination.

How to Get the Latest Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine

Those with insurance are encouraged to receive the updated 2025-26 seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines through their pharmacy or health care provider.

Chicago area residents can also get vaccinated through the Chicago Department of Public Health and Cook County Department of Public Health, which provide shots for free and regardless of insurance and immigration status.

Chicago residents can receive updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines at four CDPH immunization walk-in clinics, as well as mobile and pop-up vaccination events across the city.

This Saturday, CDPH will kick off a series of vaccination events held at City Colleges locations. The events, which run on select Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., will also offer routine pediatric shots and physicals for school-age children.

• Oct. 18: Kennedy King College - 6301 S. Halsted St.
• Oct. 25: Arturo Velasquez Institute - 2800 S. Western Ave.
• Nov. 1: Harry S Truman College - 1145 W. Wilson Ave.
• Nov. 8: Richard J Daley College - 7500 S. Pulaski Rd.
• Nov. 15: Olive - Harvey College - 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave.
• Nov. 22: Wilbur Wright College - 4300 N. Narragansett Ave.
• Dec. 6: Malcolm X College - 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.

Suburban Cook County residents can get the latest flu and COVID shots at vaccination clinics, open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on rotating Saturdays at five Cook County Health sites. The first vaccination clinic will be held this Saturday at the Robbins Health Center in the south suburbs. A full schedule can be found on CCDPH’s website.

Free vaccines are also offered year-round at Cook County Health locations by appointment. 

Contact Eunice Alpasan: [email protected]

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