Residents of Chicago have been waiting for their turn to become eligible to make an appointment at vaccination camps. Chicago is still in Phase 1B, which lets people over the age of 64 and essential frontline workers get the vaccine, and other people are waiting for their turn desperately.
However, the news came in as a light of hope for the residents that Chicago is set to move into the next phase by 29th March. Since there hasn’t been any priorly-noticed schedule, citizens of Chicago didn’t have any idea about the advancements of vaccination phases. The statements made by the officials from Illinois were also not concerned by Chicago residents because, in fact, Chicago and Illinois operate on different timetables.
As of 29th March, the following people will become eligible to get a vaccine.
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Residents with the following diagnosed medical conditions: Cancer, cardiovascular, cardiac, cerebrovascular disorders—including coronary artery disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, and hypertension—chronic kidney diseases, chronic respiratory disorders—including asthma (moderate to severe), cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—diabetes (Type 1 and 2), disability (physical, visual, hearing, and mental), down syndrome, neurological disorders—including dementia—weakened immune system—from blood or bone marrow transplant—immune deficiencies, HIV, usage of immune-weakening medicines, liver disease—including hepatitis—pregnancy, obesity, schizophrenia, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and all kinds of disability.
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People of religious organizations (over the age of 65).
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Energy workers
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Finance workers
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Workers in the food and beverage industry, such as restaurants.
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Workers in higher education institutes.
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Workers in IT and communications.
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Workers in legal and law offices.
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Workers in media (newspaper, TV, radio, publications).
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People in community homes and shelters
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People in government-based operations
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Workers in libraries
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Social workers
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Healthcare and hygiene workers; public health and safety
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Retailers
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People involved in transport and logistics
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Water and wastewater treatment workers
While the above-listed people of Chicago will advance into the stage of vaccination by 29th March, the rest of Illinois will advance all-in by 12th April, involving all people over the age of 16 to get the vaccine. Chicago was exempted from this advancement because the city and the state run on different timelines.
All vaccinations in Chicago will be provided based on the appointments only, walk-ins will not be welcomed, as announced by the city officials. The city government has also advised people against making appointments for future dates when they would become eligible; residents of Chicago are to only make appointments when their eligibility phase has come.
In such times of intensity and worry, everyone is bound to get panicky and try to get a vaccine as soon as possible. Lucky for them, some clinics in Chicago are providing free COVID-19 testing and free vaccination to all the residents of Chicago. People have a real chance to skip lines of state-set vaccination camps and get a verified and approved vaccine from a reputable clinic. For free coronavirus testing and vaccination, make an appointment here.
