A message from CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Click here to view this letter in Spanish, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Filipino, Polish, Ukrainian, Urdu, or Vietnamese.

 

Dear CPS Families and Staff,

 

We are excited to share that federal health officials have now authorized the most updated version of the COVID-19 vaccine, also called a “bivalent booster,” for children ages 5 to 11. This shot offers the greatest amount of protection against COVID-19, and is available to anyone over the age of 5 who has completed their primary vaccine series. 

 

Visit cps.edu/vaccinations today and make an appointment to get your primary vaccine series and/or your updated vaccine. Visit Chicago.gov/Boost for more information about boosters.

 

Why Get the Updated Vaccine?

  1. To Stay Ahead of the Virus: This latest vaccine formula targets the strains of COVID-19 that are currently circulating in our communities. This is especially important as the weather turns colder and we will begin spending more time together indoors. 
  2. To Keep Students in School: COVID cases are low right now, but data from the past two years shows that the virus spreads more rapidly when students and staff are out of school on breaks. With Thanksgiving and Winter break both coming up, getting more students and staff vaccinated is how we can make sure everyone can stay healthy and in the classroom where they belong.
  3. To Protect Each Other During the Holidays: The holiday season is a time when we know we will be gathering to celebrate with family and friends. The best way to keep everyone safe is by people getting their bivalent boosters - the best, most updated protection against COVID-19. 

Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations provides the greatest level of protection against severe illness and death from COVID-19. Vaccines are safe, effective, and widely available. All COVID-19 vaccines — including the updated, bivalent boosters — are free, and no government-issued ID or insurance is required.

 

Where Can I Get The Updated Vaccine?

Who can get the new updated vaccine?

  • These vaccines are now available to Chicago residents ages 5 years and older who have already completed a primary vaccine series. 
  • Chicagoans are able to receive this updated vaccine two months after completing their primary vaccine series OR two months after their most recent booster shot.
  • If you have recently had COVID-19, at minimum you must complete your isolation period before seeking a vaccine, and the CDC says you may consider waiting 3 months from your most recent infection. 
  • Visit Chicago.gov/Boost for more information.

Increase Your Protection with a Flu Shot

 

As we move into the colder weather months, CPS strongly recommends getting a flu shot in addition to staying up-to-date on your COVID vaccines. These steps can ensure students stay healthy, safe, and in school throughout the fall and winter months.

  • CPS is offering flu shots alongside COVID vaccines at our four permanent regional clinics and both our elementary and high school mobile programs
  • Visit the City of Chicago’s Vaccine Finder to find a flu shot in your community.
  • The Chicago Department of Public Health will continue to host family vaccination clinics at City Colleges of Chicago through the month of November. These events will offer flu shots, Pfizer and Moderna for children 6 months through 4 years old, as well as Pfizer vaccines and the updated bivalent booster doses to all eligible Chicagoans. Clinics will be open 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration is recommended and is available at Chicago.gov/COVIDvax.
  • CDPH is partnering with aldermen and organizations across all 50 wards to provide flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics this fall, which will include the updated COVID-19 vaccine. This includes clinics held in partnership with the Department of Family and Support Services at locations serving seniors and other congregate settings. View the full schedule and find an event near you at Chicago.gov/VaxCalendar — events will be added as they are confirmed. 

We thank you for your help in keeping everyone in our school community healthy and safe, and we urge everyone to stay up-to-date on their vaccines. 

 

Thank you,

Chicago Public Schools