Chicago's Top Doc Gets COVID-19 Vaccine At New Immunization Site

CHICAGO — Public health commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady flashed a thumbs up while receiving a coronavirus vaccine injection Tuesday at the city's new mass immunization site at Malcolm X College.

"I think for me getting vaccinated publicly, it says I’m not just encouraging you to get vaccinated. I, myself, certainly am excited to get this," she said.

Arwady, who qualified to receive the vaccine because she sees patients at a city outpatient clinic, said she's looking forward to being able to answer questions about vaccine side effects with first-hand knowledge.

Starting Tuesday, outpatient care workers at registered practices that receive a code from the city can make an appointment to receive vaccinations at Malcolm X, which is already booked through Wednesday.

Arwady says she expects it will take until late February to vaccinate hospital, outpatient and nursing home health care workers before expanding the immunization roll out to include elderly Chicagoans and front line workers.

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