Phase 1B Of Chicago's Vaccine Distribution Begins

With Phase 1B of Chicago’s vaccine plan beginning this week, we wanted to remind everyone of where things stand now. There is a phased roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine in Chicago with a very limited supply, so certain groups are prioritized. Supplies will increase over time and all adults will be able to get vaccinated later in 2021. Once a vaccination phase begins, people in that phase are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine indefinitely. Tentative dates are dependent on vaccine supply. All of this information is from the City’s official vaccine information hub.

In Phase 1A, which began December 15 last year, healthcare workers were first inoculated. This batch included those working in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, behavioral health residential facilities, and developmentally disabled residential facilities. Hospitals and outpatient sites enrolled as COVID-19 vaccine providers will continue to prioritize healthcare workers, especially non-hospital based healthcare workers who qualified for Phase 1A, for vaccination.

In Phase 1B, which began this Monday, January 25, the COVID-19 vaccine is made available to frontline essential workers, including correctional workers and first responders; grocery store workers and those in manufacturing/factory settings with outbreaks; daycare, K-12 and early education workers; public transit, other manufacturing/agriculture workers; continuity-of-government officials and postal workers. It is expected that most people in Phase 1B will have vaccination opportunities in February or March, and they will remain eligible for vaccine indefinitely, like Phase 1A workers.

Prioritization will still be given to patients over 75 years of age, or patients over 65 years of age with significant underlying conditions, based on clinical judgment. City-run Points of Dispensing (PODs) will continue to focus on providing vaccine to Phase 1A healthcare workers, by appointment only. While the City waits for the federal government to send more vaccine doses, everyone continues working hard to make sure this inoculation is prioritized for populations who are most at risk for severe outcomes.

Phase 1C begins on March 29, and it includes all other essential workers and Chicagoans ages 16-64 who have qualifying underlying medical conditions. This timing puts Phase 2, general public vaccine rollout, beginning somewhere near May 31, 2021.

To know when it’s your turn, sign up for Chi COVID Coach. You’ll receive updates from the Department of Public Health (CDPH) about Chicago's vaccination distribution progress. You will receive updates on when the City moves through each phase and instructions on how to register for vaccination appointments. Please note, however, that you Chi COVID Coach is not an appointment portal, and it cannot be used as one.