Chicagoans Encouraged To Get Flu, COVID Shots As Health Department Breaks With Feds

The Chicago Department of Health is urging residents to receive vaccinations for flu and COVID-19 as the respiratory virus season begins. The city endorses guidelines from the Illinois Department of Health, recommending flu shots for everyone six months and older and COVID-19 vaccines for specific groups, including children aged 6 months to 17 years with risk factors. This position diverges from federal recommendations that do not support universal COVID-19 vaccinations. Officials in Illinois claim the state guidelines are necessary due to the federal government's failure to maintain rigorous vaccine review processes. The Health Department will provide free vaccines at city clinics, starting COVID-19 shots for individuals aged 12 and older.

RSV vaccines are also recommended for certain demographics, including adults over 75 and pregnant individuals. The respiratory virus season typically spans from November to March, when respiratory infections are most prevalent. Access to vaccinations is crucial for public health, particularly as infections like flu, COVID-19, and RSV surge during this time.