Dear Neighbor,
While vaccination efforts ramp up across the state, not everyone has equal access to a shot. In March I requested COVID-19 data for the 7th District from the Department of Public Health. Upon review it was clear that ZIP codes 60626 and 60659 had the highest COVID-19 infection rates and least access to the vaccine in the district. Those ZIP codes cover Rogers Park and West Ridge, home to many immigrants, non-primary English speakers, and those living without reliable access to quality health care here in the 7th Senate District.
To address this systemic inequity, I organized and hosted two COVID-19 vaccine clinics last Friday, which delivered shots directly to 200 residents of Rogers Park and West Ridge. I want to thank the Howard Brown Health Center, the Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago, and ONE Northside for partnering with me on this event, and to all the health care workers and volunteers who helped plan and execute both vaccine clinics in the 7th district.
Longer-term vaccine sites are also popping up across the city, ready to serve residents of the 7thDistrict. Last week, I toured the new mass vaccination site near Wrigley Field located at American Airlines Conference Center at Gallagher Way with Congressman Mike Quigley and Representative Margaret Croke. Advocate Aurora Health is operating this site and I am working with them to arrange more partnerships that will target more vaccines to those in need across the 7th district.
If you have yet to book an appointment, don’t worry – there are still opportunities to get your shot. The Wrigley Field facility will offer up to 2,000 shots daily.
Additionally, starting today, Monday, April 12, you can make an appointment to receive a Johnson & Johnson shot at the United Center. To register for either site, visit Zocdoc.com/vaccine or call 312-746-4835. You can also find a comprehensive list of available sites by visiting coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/vaccination-location.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with questions and concerns at 773-769-1717 or senatormikesimmons.com/contact-us.
Sincerely,
Mike Simmons
State Senator, 7th Illinois Senate District
