CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — When it comes to getting in line for a COVID-19 vaccine in the Chicago area, you may have a little more work to do if you live in the city.
Many county health departments in the region have set up centralized portals online for people to register and get an eventual appointment to be vaccinated.
In Chicago, the process is a little more complicated, but not insurmountable.
First, a reminder: Illinois and Chicago on Jan. 25 moved into the so-called 1B phase of vaccine distribution, for people 65 and over and for certain frontline workers whose jobs make them more vulnerable to infection (note: Demand for the approved vaccines far outpaces the limited supply, officials stress).
In Chicago, there are three ways to seek the vaccine, according to Health Commissioner Allison Arwady:
—Through your physician or nearest hospital or medical clinic. Healthcare providers are encouraged to reach out to their most vulnerable patients.
—Through a pharmacy chain (Walgreens, Mariano’s, Walmart, JewelOsco) supplied by the Chicago Department of Public Health.
—Through an employer if workers are within the "frontline" category.
Meantime, Cook County’s Department of Public Health, covering suburban areas, has set up a central registration point online.
Similarly, health officials in the many surrounding counties are asking residents to register online, with the understanding that it may take awhile to get an appointment for the vaccine. Here are links:
—DuPage County
—Kane County
—Lake County
—McHenry County
—Will County
The Kendall County Health Department is in the process of setting up a registration portal.
In Kenosha County, Wisconsin, health officials are collecting information and will contact qualifying residents when they are able to schedule an appointment for the vaccine.
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