Coronavirus Response

  • Pfizer Vaccine Available for Children Age 12+ 

    The following information was released May 13 by the Cook County Department of Public Health:

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently approved the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for all children age 12 and older.

    Beginning on Thursday, May 13, Cook County Health is offering everyone age 12+ the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine free of charge at eight vaccination sites across the suburbs.
    • Locations are in Des Plaines, Matteson, South Holland, River Grove, Forest Park, Thornton Fractional, West Leyden and Summit
    • You can make an appointment or just walk-in to any site. 
    • If you would like to make an appointment, visit vaccine.cookcountyil.gov
    • Hours of Operation at Cook County Vaccination Sites are:
    • Monday – Friday
      • Des Plaines, Matteson, South Holland, River Grove and Forest Park: 8AM-8PM
      • Thornton Fractional & West Leyden: 10AM-8PM
      • Summit 8AM-6PM
    • Saturday
      • Des Plaines, Matteson, South Holland, River Grove and Forest Park: 8AM-6PM
      • Thornton Fractional & West Leyden: 8AM-6PM
      • Summit 8AM-6PM
    • Patients are encouraged to bring their ID and insurance cards to their appointment. You will not be turned away if you do not have an ID or insurance card.
    • Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive a vaccine.
    • Children do not need to bring identification, however parents are asked to bring an ID.
    • If a parent does not have an ID, they can confirm at the time of vaccination that they are their child’s parent or legal guardian.
     
    More details about the COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination site locations are available at www.myshotcookcounty.com/locations.
    We are now seeing the highest rates of COVID-19 infections in younger people. If we want children to return to school, sports and social activities as safely as possible, they should be vaccinated. It is our best chance at returning to in-person learning and normal activities.
    Public health officials are urging all eligible individuals to get vaccinated. Please speak with your family physician or pediatrician if you have any questions about vaccination.
    Thank you for helping to keep our schools and community safe!