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* Press release…
The Biden Administration, Governor JB Pritzker, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth today announced eligible Illinoisans from every part of the state will be able to be vaccinated starting March 10 at a new United Center site that prioritizes access for seniors and equity for the hardest hit populations.
The Biden Administration is opening pilot Community Vaccination Centers across the country. The United Center site will open on March 10 with the capacity to administer 6,000 doses per day, all of which will be provided directly by the federal government and not taken out of the state or city’s allotment.
The site will be by appointment only; seniors will have first access to appointments before the site opens, and if appointments remain available after seniors have had their exclusive registration period, any remaining available slots will be open to any Illinoisans eligible under the state’s guidelines. After the launch on March 10, registration will continue to be open for all Illinoisans eligible in the state’s Phase 1B+.
Preparations and buildout of the United Center Community Vaccination Center are now underway. Information about where and how to make appointments will be available in coming days. Demand is anticipated to be high.
The United Center will be open to all Illinois residents currently eligible to be vaccinated under the state guidelines and will be managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency with support from the Department of Defense, State of Illinois, Cook County and the City of Chicago.
The United Center site builds on an expanding network of state-supported sites operating across southern, central and northern Illinois. The United Center location is one of the best places in the country to advance key equity priorities through its proximity to medically underserved communities and goals of reaching those most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus.
“The United Center is one of the best locations for vaccinating large numbers of people in America: it’s easy to get to, is in the midst of a medically underserved community, can handle large crowds and is well known to everyone in Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to FEMA, the United Center is just our most recent among a growing number of state-supported mass vaccination location for residents. To date, the Illinois National Guard has launched 15 state-supported sites, including locations in Springfield, Rockford, Carbondale and Metro East – and that’s on top of mass vax sites operated by our 97 local health departments. I am deeply grateful to the Biden-Harris administration for working closely with us to bring on this high-capacity site, and I’m particularly proud that we’ve worked together to prioritize seniors in this process, moving us that much closer to putting this pandemic to an end.”
“The federal government is committed to the equitable distribution of vaccines across the country and in the state of Illinois,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “The goal of establishing these joint federal pilot centers is to continue expanding the rate of vaccinations, with an explicit focus on socially vulnerable or underrepresented communities.”
“The opening of the federal mass vaccination site at the United Center brings us another step forward in our equity-centered COVID-19 vaccination plan,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “From our seniors to the communities hardest hit by the pandemic, we will not stop until we get shots into the arms of our residents who patiently wait to see the light at the end of this pandemic.”
“The new United Center mass vaccination site is a game changer for Chicago and the entire region,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “This is what Presidential leadership looks like—bold, collaborative, and science-based. With this new site, we’ll now be able to take our vaccination success to a whole new level and bring to bear the historic and inclusive recovery that is soon to come.”
“Getting vaccine shots into the arms of Americans will help break the back of this pandemic. This site in the City of Chicago, which Senator Duckworth and I have been working for, will help our most vulnerable communities get the protection they desperately need. I applaud Governor Pritzker, Cook County President Preckwinkle, and Mayor Lightfoot for working with us and the Biden Administration to make this site a reality. Help is on the way, Illinois,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).
“This new mass community vaccination center is an important step in our efforts to overcome this pandemic, and it will help get shots in the arms of Illinoisans at a much higher rate, especially in the communities hit hardest by COVID-19,” U.S. Senator Duckworth said. “Senator Durbin and I worked closely with the Biden Administration to help bring this center to Chicago, and I am also thankful for the support of Governor Pritzker, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Mayor Lightfoot in bringing this facility to Chicago.”
This federal pilot site will not divert allocations from other jurisdictions, as vaccine will be provided direct by the federal government to the site. The site will operate seven days a week for eight weeks under the federal government’s vaccination pilot program.
The United Center was selected by the Biden administration in coordination with state, county and city partners to fulfill the administration’s commitment to expanding the rate of vaccinations across the country in an efficient, effective and equitable manner, with a keen focus on making sure that communities with a high risk of COVID-19 exposure and infection are not left behind.
In addition to the United Center, Illinois has 15 state-supported mass vaccination sites already open across the state. These sites are currently open to any eligible resident via appointment. For more information on how to make an appointment to receive the vaccine, updates on the state’s plan and eligibility, and answers to frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, go to coronavirus.illinois.gov.
Seems like a good plan. And despite it being open to every Illinoisan, let’s hope this helps Chicago catch up with the rest of the state on vaccinations. As we’ve discussed before, the city is lagging at getting shots into arms and nobody in the Chicago media seems willing to press the issue. The city is also refusing to move into “1B+” even though the other cities which also receive direct vax shipments from the CDC have done so. Philadelphia, New York City, San Antonio and Houston are all in 1B+ as Chicago stubbornly refuses to join them. If it takes the state stepping in, then so be it. Chicago is part of Illinois, too. Its residents deserve a chance at their shots like everyone else in the state.
* From the United Center…
We are proud to partner with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the City of Chicago, Cook County, and State of Illinois leadership, to transform the United Center campus to help expedite vaccine distribution. From the onset of this pandemic, the United Center’s team of dedicated professionals have worked tirelessly with relief agencies, first responders, City, County and Federal agencies and the public on a wide array of initiatives to support the region’s Covid-19 relief efforts. It is our hope that by partnering with FEMA to create a mass vaccination center, we are one step closer to putting this pandemic behind us. We are grateful for the dedication of our United Center professionals, and our incredibly supportive vendors and partners, to help turn these plans into a reality. Without their support this effort would not be possible.
* Sens. Durbin and Duckworth…
“Getting vaccine shots into the arms of Americans will help break the back of this pandemic. This site in the City of Chicago, which Senator Duckworth and I have been working for, will help our most vulnerable communities get the protection they desperately need. I applaud Governor Pritzker, Cook County President Preckwinkle, and Mayor Lightfoot for working with us and the Biden Administration to make this site a reality. Help is on the way, Illinois,” said Durbin.
“This new mass community vaccination center is an important step in our efforts to overcome this pandemic, and it will help get shots in the arms of Illinoisans at a much higher rate, especially in the communities hit hardest by COVID-19,” Duckworth said. “Senator Durbin and I worked closely with the Biden Administration to help bring this center to Chicago, and I am also thankful for the support of Governor Pritzker, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Mayor Lightfoot in bringing this facility to Chicago.”
Durbin is scheduled to be at today’s event with the governor, which should be interesting considering they’re on opposite sides of the state party battle. Duckworth is with Pritzker on this one.
*** UPDATE *** Press release…
Today, Uber announced its Uber Zone at the United Center will host a COVID-19 mass vaccination site with the City of Chicago, FEMA, the United Center, and ZocDoc. The Uber Zone site will become the primary vaccination location in the city of Chicago, helping to increase the number of Chicagoans who can get vaccinated against COVID-19. Uber also announced that it is providing 20,000 free rides in partnership with the City and ZocDoc to help remove transportation barriers that may prevent some Chicagoans from accessing these lifesaving vaccines. While these free rides to and from the vaccination site are available citywide, Uber credits will be targeted to residents on the South and West sides to help close equity gaps on vaccination access.
* Press release from Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi…
“The opening of the United Center’s mass vaccination site and its capacity of more than 6,000 vaccines per day is a crucial step forward for the efforts of the Chicago region, and Illinois overall, to achieve universal inoculation against the coronavirus. In my position on the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, I will continue to fight to expand vaccine production, access, and transparency until everyone in Illinois and our country is able to receive this life-saving vaccine.”
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 11:03 am
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“The site will operate seven days a week for eight weeks under the federal government’s vaccination pilot program.”
I hope that the pilot will last longer than two months, so that it’s still around for Phase 2. I’m getting concerned that there won’t be enough vaccine or providers to administer it by the time my kid goes to college in August.
Comment by Just Lurking Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 11:15 am
VERY good news. Every shot helps.
But, 6k is a drop in the bucket with a county population of 5.15 million. So that one site will only vaccinate .013% of the percent of the Cook County population a week.
Comment by Cool Papa Bell Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 11:25 am
I hope this is the first of many sites like this that can be up and running in metro Chicago this spring.
Comment by Montrose Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 11:33 am
This is great news. I hope that this speeds up the general availability for ALL people soon.
Comment by indianbadger Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 11:40 am
This plus the great WaPo story about joyful vaccinators - Rich giving us some hope on a cold Friday. Thank you sir
Comment by Scott Fawell's Cellmate Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 11:40 am
I got my first dose at McCormick Place and it was a well-oiled machine. I am impressed with what I’ve seen of Illinois’ vaxx rollout thus far.
Comment by Anon E Moose Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 11:43 am
Maybe this will help slow down the number of Chicago area residents driving to Springfield to take advantage of the ING-run VAX site at the Orr Building on the State Fairgrounds. A State Senator told me about that this morning and I thought he was kidding me at first.
Comment by Behind the Scenes Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 11:45 am
===Maybe this will help slow down the number of Chicago area residents driving to Springfield to take advantage of the ING-run VAX site at the Orr Building on the State Fairgrounds===
The state fairgrounds doesn’t belong to Springfield, it belongs to Illinois. So, go take a nap.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 11:49 am
The NIU Convocation Center has been used weekly by the DeKalb County Health Dept as a mass van site for the past month. Been doing around 825 a day. Making progress!
Comment by M Python Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 11:51 am
Actually, I’m in the 65 or older (66) category and I got my second vaccine a week ago in Chicago through my healthcare provider. They contacted me in January to set up the appointments. And I know several friends in that category who have been vaccinated or have appointments through their providers in Chicago.
Comment by OldSmoky2 Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 11:55 am
===only vaccinate .013%===
You have serious math problems.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 12:05 pm
FEMA is using a model that was set up in AZ. Biden and Harris did a virtual tour of the AZ state run sites and FEMA noted in the meeting this is the process they will implement nationally. AZ runs the state sites 24/7 which helps and is partnering with the state Medicaid program to help fund transportation for those who don’t have cars. That said there is also resentment of snow birds nabbing shots ahead of full time residents. It comes down to the anxiety everyone has about getting these shots. Like all we wish the supply was here on day 1.
Comment by illinifan Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 12:08 pm
=Uber also announced that it is providing 20,000 free rides=
Great to see the Fed/States/local authorities partner with the private sector on transportation.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 12:13 pm
=The state fairgrounds doesn’t belong to Springfield, it belongs to Illinois. So, go take a nap.=
Amen
Comment by JS Mill Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 12:13 pm
I was very wrong on the math.
At full capacity its .12% each day.
For the entire 8 weeks is 6.6% of the population.
I hope it runs at full steam for 8 weeks, but the State Fairgrounds site hasn’t been able to meet the max capacity yet based on vaccine supply.
Comment by Cool Papa Bell Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 12:21 pm
This is very much a game changer considering these doses don’t come out of the state allocated vaccine supply and are supplied by the federal government. This will help Chicago, Cook County, and the collar counties get back on track and likely meet their goal of moving to Stage 1B+, 1C, 2 on time. I think most people over 16 will easily be able to get vaccinated sometime in May/June.
Comment by Hot Taeks Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 12:55 pm
Glad to see people coming to the State Fairgrounds for their shot from across Illinois. Grab a takeout meal from one of our local restaurants while you are here. Get your vaccinations and come back safely in August for the State Fair. I’m looking forward to visiting your town when it is safe again.
Comment by jimbo26 Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 2:33 pm
It sure would be great if they could get everyone/most everyone in one phase vaccinated before moving to another.
Comment by Amalia Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 2:54 pm
===if they could get everyone/most everyone in one phase vaccinated===
That’s a very nice theory, but the harsh reality is a goodly number of people don’t want it. And we should only wait so long for them to come around. Don’t sit on a pile of vaccines while anti-vaxxers anti-vax.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 2:56 pm
When its your turn in line in the United Center to step up for your vaccine, the Bulls’ Tommy Edwards should do your intro (e.g., “Frommmm Lawndale…retired teacher…83 years old, 5′3″…Suuussssan Joooones!”) and use The Alan Parsons Project instrumental “Sirius” as background music.
Comment by Scott Fawell's Cellmate Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 3:07 pm
A reminder the Veterans Administration has their own supply of Vaccine. We are now at the all essential worker phase. Word on the Street is that in two weeks the VA supply will be more than doubled. If you served check in with us. Even if you are not registered you can come in and do same day registration or better yet register on
-line. Generally not filing all the available appointments so walk ins are possible in many instances.
Comment by Peters Piece Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 3:08 pm
When its your turn in line in the United Center to step up for your vaccine, the Bulls’ Tommy Edwards should do your intro (e.g., “Frommmm Lawndale…retired teacher…83 years old, 5′3″…Suuussssan Joooones”) and use The Alan Parsons Project instrumental “Sirius” as background music.
Comment by Scott Cross for President Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 3:15 pm
Also, gloved volunteers send you out through a high-five tunnel.
Comment by Scott Cross for President Friday, Feb 26, 21 @ 3:16 pm