COVID-19 Vaccine Information

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COVID-19 Vaccine Information

The COVID-19 vaccine is available to everyone age 12 and older, regardless of your immigration status or whether you have health insurance. Visit https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/ for more information about the choices available to you.

Why should I get a vaccine?

  • The vaccine is free, effective, and safe, and helps protect you and your community against COVID-19, which can cause serious long-term side effects and death.
  • It is possible to be re-infected with COVID-19 even if you have already had it.
  • Reduced community spread of COVID-19 includes benefits like safely seeing loved ones, reopening local businesses, enjoying time outside, and getting kids back to school.

Where can I get the vaccine?

  • You can ask your doctor about getting a vaccine or you can find a vaccine near you by visiting vaccines.gov, including information about free rides to appointments and free childcare during your appointment.
  • You can text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you in the U.S.
  • You can visit your local pharmacy or visit the IDPH website.
  • If you or someone you know needs assistance scheduling an appointment, call the toll-free IDPH hotline at 833.621.1284.

Are the vaccines safe?

  • Yes. The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19 and it does not contain any part of the virus.
  • Millions of people have received COVID-19 vaccines, and no common long-term side effects have been detected.
  • For more information, please see the Centers for Disease Control’s page on vaccine safety.

What to expect when getting vaccinated

  • You will receive a vaccine shot, likely in your arm, from someone who has been trained in giving vaccines. You may feel a slight pinch, like any other vaccine or shot.
  • Vaccine administrators ask that you be monitored 15-30 minutes after receiving the vaccine in case of any severe allergic reaction, which is very rare.
  • You will get a vaccination card and be asked to come back for your second dose in 3-4 weeks. It is very important for you to complete all required doses of the vaccine to best protect you from COVID-19.

What to expect after getting vaccinated

  • After receiving the vaccine, you may feel flu-like symptoms, like muscle-aches and a fever, which means your body is building protection.
  • After getting your second dose, you will have the best available protection against COVID-19. Although the CDC does not require masks for vaccinated individuals in most circumstances, you may feel comfortable wearing masks around unvaccinated individuals.
  • The Centers for Disease Control are also continuing to monitor new variants of the COVID-19 virus. Learn more about variants and follow any current public health guidance.

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