City Reminder: COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Expands April 12

Press release from the City of Evanston:

All Evanston and Illinois residents 16 years and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine starting April 12. See the FAQs below for more information.

How can I register to receive the vaccine?

Evanston residents 16 years and older are encouraged to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through multiple trusted providers, including:

• City of Evanston. If you haven’t already, complete the City’s Vaccination Contact Form (español) to be notified of City of Evanston vaccination events.
• Cook County. Evanston residents are eligible to be vaccinated at Cook County Mass Vaccination sites. Register with the County.
• Other trusted providers. View vaccination locations in Illinois.

Why should I look for vaccination appointments outside of the City of Evanston?

Evanston is fortunate to have one of only four state-certified municipal health departments in Illinois, providing residents with an additional option for where they can register to receive the vaccine — but it isn’t the only option.

The City’s goal is for residents to be vaccinated as quickly as possible from any trusted provider, whether it’s the City, County, or a local pharmacy. Appointments will become more widely available through all of these sources as vaccine supplies increase, and residents are encouraged to seek them out.

How will the City administer vaccines?

The City will continue to host multiple vaccination events each week to administer doses received from the State. Registration for these events will continue to be prioritized by age, from oldest to youngest, starting with those 60 years and older. If appointment slots are still available after individuals in the targeted age group have had a chance to register, the City will notify residents in the next age group.

If you live or work in Evanston, be sure to complete the City’s Vaccination Contact Form (español). When the vaccine is available to you, you’ll receive an email from the City with the registration link and the location and date of the event. Those without access to email can call Evanston 311 (847-448-4311) to complete the contact form and will be notified of vaccination events by phone.

How many residents have been vaccinated so far?

As of Friday, April 9, all Evanston residents eligible as part of Phase 1A, 1B and 1B+ will have had the opportunity to receive at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This includes individuals 65 years and older, essential workers, and individuals 16 years or older with preexisting health conditions as defined by the State.

Evanston residents have been successful at seeking out vaccinations, both through the City and through other trusted providers. As of Monday, April 6:

• 93 percent of Evanston residents 65+ have received at least their first dose, compared to 76 percent nationally and 72 percent in Illinois.
• 65 percent of Evanston residents 65+ are fully vaccinated, compared to 57 percent nationally and 53 percent in Illinois.
• 51 percent of Evanston residents 16+ have received at least their first dose, compared to 42 percent nationally (18+) and 41 percent in Illinois (16+).
• 24 percent of Evanston residents 16+ are fully vaccinated, compared to 24 percent nationally (18+) and 17 percent in Illinois (all ages).

How can I get assistance scheduling an appointment?

If you need assistance or lack online access, call the toll-free, multilingual IDPH hotline at 833-621-1284 to book an appointment. Evanston residents may also call/text 847-448-4311 or email vaccine@cityofevanston.org for questions about vaccine registration in Evanston.

This press release was produced by the City of Evanston. The views expressed here are the author’s own.