CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Because of increased supplies of COVID-19 vaccines, the city of Chicago will start allowing residents to get vaccinated without appointments beginning Friday.
Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady on Thursday said a limited number of vaccine doses will be set aside each day at vaccination sites for walk-ups, or people without appointments.
Appointments are still highly recommended, she said.
"If you make an appointment, you won't need to be standing in long lines," Arwady said.
Allowing for walk-ups is expected to help people who have had a hard time reserving appointments online or for residents who are on the wrong side of the so-called "digital divide."
Arwady said the city will have even more flexibility to inoculate residents once the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is allowed back into the vaccine supply chain. Currently, federal officials are re-evaluating the safety of J & J's vaccine.
