Dear Neighbor,

Illinois is making progress in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine averaging nearly 80,000 doses per day—and almost 3 million doses have been administered to date. With the recent approval of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, supplied are expected to increase in the coming weeks.

As you navigate the vaccination process for yourself or a loved one, I want you to be aware that there is now a new option: The United Center will now serve as one of the nation’s first Federal Pilot Community Vaccination Centers.

The United Center will receive 6,000 vaccine doses per day from the federal government, in addition to the supplies already obtained by the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois. The vaccine will be offered at no cost, and insurance is not required, nor will it be requested. Documentation regarding immigration status is also not required.

All Illinoisans eligible under the state’s Phase 1B+—including those with underlying conditions and disabilities—may now schedule appointments.

Here’s how to make an appointment at the United Center, located at 1901 W. Madison St. in Chicago:

  • To register online, visit Zocdoc.com/vaccine. You will be asked to provide your date of birth when booking an appointment to confirm vaccine eligibility.
  • To register by phone, call (312) 746-4835. A multilingual call center will be available to help make appointments Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The vaccine site will operate seven days a week for eight weeks under the federal government’s vaccination pilot program.

Remember: Free, state-run COVID-19 testing remains operational in Auburn Gresham.

Let's continue to protect our family, friends and neighbors by practicing social distancing, washing our hands, wearing masks and getting tested for COVID-19 when we have reason to believe we may have been exposed. As a reminder, free, convenient COVID-19 testing is available in Chicago's Auburn Gresham neighborhood to anyone who wants it.

Community-Based Testing Site
7938 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60620
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. every day except Tuesdays

  • No insurance necessary
  • No referral needed
  • No appointment needed
  • No symptoms required
  • Available for all ages

If you are eligible to get vaccinated, I urge you to register for an appointment. If you are still waiting to qualify, please be patient. You can sign up to receive updates, scheduling information and a notification when you’re eligible at vaccine.cookcountyil.gov. 

Thank you for your efforts over the past year to keep your friends, loved ones and community healthy. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with questions and concerns at 773-769-1717 or https://senatormikesimmons.com/contact-us.

Sincerely,

Mike Simmons
State Senator, 7th Illinois Senate District