CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The mayor, the Chicago Public Schools CEO, the city's Public Health Commissioner, and doctors from various hospitals teamed up Friday in tailoring their message to reach the skeptical or those hesitant to get their children vaccinated.
"Only by working together can we move forward into the post-pandemic healthy future," said Mayor Lori Lightfoot during a press conference.
CPS will be closed for vaccinations next Friday and city employees are getting time off and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez said giving students the day off in order to get the vaccine was an easy decision to make.
"It is really about the importance of us starting to protect our children especially right before the holidays are coming when we know-I seen it...cases rise after the holidays and it's just so important that we make that investment now for the rest of the school year, " he said.
Dr. Alison Arwady, the city’s Public Health Commissioner, said there are about 200,000 eligible children and by next Friday the city will have 100,000 doses.
Dr. Frank Belmonte of Advocate Children’s Hospital wants parents to know the vaccine is safe.
"I've heard so many parents say over the last few weeks 'I'm gonna wait and see.' Now is not the time for wait and see," he said.
The mayor urged private employers to also give workers time off next Friday or any other day to get vaccinated and get their children vaccinated.
Related
