The United Center is aiming to give shots to 6,000 people per day.
Towards the end of last month, Governor J.B. Pritzker joined Mayor Lori Lightfoot to announce that the United Center would begin operating as a mass vaccination calling it a “game-changer” for Chicago’s vaccination effort. Chosen for its optimal accessibility, the center would be aiming at vaccinating 6,000 people per day with the first advance sign-up appointments exclusively available for seniors 65 and older.
The site officially opened yesterday after a short delay and has now begun inoculating the tens of thousands of elderly residents who made appointments. The next step has been taken opening appointments up to residents of certain South and Southwest side ZIP codes. Chicago officials stated that appointments are being opened up in stages to the communities which have been “most impacted by the outbreak.”
Any resident living in the following ZIP codes can now sign up online or call 312-746-4835 for an appointment:
- 60608
- 60619
- 60620
- 60649
- 60652
Any Chicago resident in the following zip codes will be able to get vaccinated at the United Center: 60608, 60619, 60620, 60649, 60652. APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED.
Book Your Appointment – https://t.co/IaYPXk7qjJ
More info on the UC Mass Vaccination site – https://t.co/fqTHG6DuwT pic.twitter.com/b5MgPxbtAK
— The TRiiBE (@TheTRiiBE) March 10, 2021
The vaccination site is situated in the parking lots surrounding the United Center and the site will be open seven days a week for 12 hours per day. People who sign up must show proof of address to confirm their eligibility and those who do not live at the given ZIP codes will have their appointments canceled.
In an official statement, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady revealed that the aim is for “60% of the vaccine appointments to go to the city of Chicago residents, 30% to go to suburban Cook residents and 10% to go to Illinois residents who live outside of suburban Cook County.”
WATCH LIVE: City, state officials give update at United Center as location begins COVID-19 vaccine distribution https://t.co/CVSDhWfQ8I
— WGN TV News (@WGNNews) March 9, 2021
Pritzker has also revealed that the state and city are looking at creating other mass vaccination sites. Wrigley Field and McCormick Place have previously been discussed alongside the United Center as potential mass vaccination sites in Chicago, so there’s a good chance some iconic mass vaccination sites could soon follow suit.
See more: More Than 8,000 Baseball Fans Will Be Allowed To Return To White Sox & Cubs Games From MLB Opening Day
[Featured image from Twitter / @EricAllixRogers]