Chicago will enter Phase 1C of COVID vaccinations at the end of March, which will increase admission to essential workers such as waiters, bartenders, hairdressers and more, as well as residents who have underlying health conditions.
But who exactly is eligible and how can you enter?
Here is everything we know so far.
When does phase 1C begin?
Phase 1C, which begins on March 29, officials announced Wednesday.
Who is eligible?
Here’s a breakdown of who is and who is not eligible under Phase 1C in Chicago:
Underlying medical conditions
Cancer (current diagnosis), cardiovascular, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders (including heart disease, coronary artery disease and high blood pressure or high blood pressure), chronic kidney disease, chronic respiratory disorders (including cystic fibrosis, moderate to severe asthma, pulmonary fibrosis / emphysema [COPD]), Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2), Disability: physical, developmental, visual, auditory or mental, Neurological conditions (including dementia), Down syndrome, Immuno-compromised states (weakened immune system) including blood or bone marrow transplantation, immune deficiency, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or the use of other immunosuppressive drugs, liver disease (including hepatitis), pregnancy, obesity: BMI ≥30 kg / m2, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, disease cells, Thalassemia, persons with disabilities
Clergy and religious organizations
People 65 years and older; where possible, with the priority of Chicago 75 years and older and Chicago 65-74 years with underlying medical conditions
Energy
Workers supporting the energy sector, including those involved in the production, distribution and recovery of energy
Finance
Banks; currency exchanges; consumer loans; credit unions; appraisers; title companies; financial markets; financial institutions; institutions that sell financial services; accounting services, and insurance services
Food and beverage service
Restaurant and other food preparation and serving facilities (including bars); entities providing food services
Higher education
Workers in educational institutions – including junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, technical schools, trade schools, educational support services and administration of education programs
Information technology and communication
Internet, video and telecommunications systems, Consumer electronics repair, Computer and office machine repair
Legal
Workers who provide legal services or support the proceedings of the legal system, including judges, lawyers, legal counsel, legal assistants, litigants, couriers, bail agents, parole officers, probation offices, court staff and others who provide legal assistance or perform legal functions
Media
Newspapers, magazines, television, radio and other media services, news outlets and outlets, broadcasting, news syndicates, printers and book publishers
Other community or government-based activities and essential functions
Other civil servants; community-based essential functions (eg urban planning, basic needs offices, such as food, childcare, shelter and social services); library workers
Personal care services and hygiene
Businesses that provide personal care services such as hair, nails and non-medical massage.
Laundry, dry cleaners, industrial laundry services and laundry service providers
Public health
Public health institutions; pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and supplies, and biotechnology enterprises
Public safety
Workers who ensure the proper functioning of public safety systems, including building inspectors, civil engineers, chemical engineers, aeronautical engineers and responders to hazardous materials. Workers building and maintaining roads, highways, railways and ports. Cyber Security Workers
Retail
Workers in retail stores, including but not limited to stores that sell alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, medicines that do not require a medical prescription, other non-grocery products (eg electronics, optical goods, books, etc.), Other household consumer products, wholesalers, licensed cannabis pharmacies and growing centers
Shelter and housing
Hardware stores and businesses; building and maintenance of buildings, real estate; hotel and motel workers
Transport and logistics
Workers at filling stations; provision and repair of cars and bicycles; businesses providing delivery and delivery services; couriers; warehouses; private mail; Airline workers not included in 1b; workers in rail, water, truck, rental bus or hire transport
Water and wastewater
Workers involved in the treatment and finishing of wastewater; sanitary and storm maintenance teams performing emergency and essential maintenance of systems
Those who are already eligible under Phase 1A and 1B also remain eligible in 1C.
Allison Arwady, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, noted that admission to vaccination sites in the city will be restricted to Chicago residents only.
How can you make an appointment?
Officials offer vaccines through Zocdoc. Residents can go to zocdoc.com/vaccine to confirm eligibility, see information venues in the area, show their availability of appointments in real-time, and receive notifications when new appointments are available.
The city also says appointments can be made by certain employers, local health care providers and pharmacies in the area.
Click here for a complete list of ways to make an appointment in Chicago.
Yet officials have warned that not everyone who qualifies can get an appointment right away.
“My concern, you know, as we open up, is that people may immediately think there’s a big offer starting on March 29 – and there isn’t,” Arwady said. ‘But by that time we would have received enough vaccine to get the vast majority through – about three-quarters of the people who would be eligible in 1B. We know we have vaccinated non-Chicago residents as well, and both sides look good in terms of the ability to really rush up. I know a lot of people are eager to be vaccinated, and I also know that April is probably going to feel frustrating for some of them, especially in early April. , but by the end of April, you know, and by May I think we’ll be at a point where it’s going to start to feel more like a typical flu vaccine. ‘
For a complete look at where and how to make an appointment in Illinois or where to get vaccine information for your area, click here.