April 2021 Senior Newsletter

SENIOR SAFETY

The CDC is recommending states prioritize people with the highest risk of exposure to the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and greatest risk of severe illness from the disease. Illinois is allowing people who are 65 years old and older to get vaccinated. The first in line are health care workers and people who live or work in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. Why are only some people eligible? There is no cost for the vaccine, but providers can charge an administration fee for giving the shot to someone, according to the CDC. That fee can be reimbursed by private insurance or, for uninsured patients, by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund, CDC states on its website. Do I have to get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Where can I get a vaccine?

The federal government has begun shipping 1 million doses of Covid vaccines directly to retail pharmacies across the country as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. In addition to the possible availability from the Cook County Community Vaccination Program, eligible individuals should be able to make an appointment to get the vaccination at many area medical institutions and pharmacy locations, some of which are listed below: Walgreens | (800) 925-4733 Jewel-Osco | (877) 505-4040 CVS | (800) 746-7287 Meijer | (877) 363-4537 Walmart | (800) 925-6278 Loyola | (888) 584-7888 Individuals with MyLoyola accounts can register here: myloyola.luhs.org or call (888) 584-7888 for information on scheduling an appointment. Residents are advised to call their health care professionals with any further questions or concerns about the vaccine.

How much will it cost? COVID-19

There is no federal or state mandate to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC recommends the vaccine to all Americans 16 and over.

VACCINE FAQ’S

*Information presented is based on availability at print date.

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