Walk-ins Welcome At Chicago Vaccination Sites Starting Friday

CHICAGO — City coronavirus vaccine sites will start to welcome walk-ins starting Friday thanks to an increase in the available supply of shots, officials said.

Public health department Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady made the announcement Thursday during an on-line question-and-answer session. City-run vaccination sites each will have a limited number of doses available each day. Arwady said it's best to make an appointment on-line to avoid long lines and the chance that a particular vaccination depot will run out of same-day jabs.

"We know that a lot of people are having challenges getting appointments. We know there are digital divides, and we know there are people who may spur of the moment say, 'Let's get a vaccine.' So we will be opening up a certain number of doses for walk-up [vaccinations]," she said.

Appointments are available today on-line at Zocdoc, and by calling the city's vaccine hotline at 312-746-4835.

"Vaccine hookups, we got 'em," Awrady said.

City-run vaccination sites also will begin vaccinating 16- and 17-year-old Chicagoans starting Thursday with a parent or guardian present, officials said.