Vaccine clinic for Chicago’s underserved communities announced

April 26, 2021

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Vials with a sticker reading, “COVID-19 / Coronavirus vaccine / Injection only” and a medical syringe are seen in front of a displayed Pfizer logo in this illustration taken October 31, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/File Photo

Illinois’ only Indian-American State Senator, Ram Villivalam, along with some state representatives announced a vaccination clinic would be held April 29 for underserved communities.

State Senator Villivalam, State Reps. John D’Amico and Margaret Croke, as well as Alderman Samantha Nugent, Commissioner Bridget Degnen, Compassionate Care Network, Jewel-Osco, and Salvation Army announced the clinic would be held at the Salvation Army Mayfair Community Church, in Chicago, between 8 a.m to 2 pm in the afternoon.

Local leaders and organizations hosting the clinic have some 1,200 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to dispense.

“For the health and safety of our communities, it is critical that all those eligible are able to access a vaccine. This event is centered on those who have had the most difficulty doing so,” Villivalam is quoted saying in the press release.

The event is open to all over the age of 16, regardless of residency, insurance or immigration status, this community-driven event invites those who have experienced difficulty finding vaccination appointments, particularly due to disparities in health care.

Appointments will take place every 15 minutes and photo ID is required. Registration is available online<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/covid-19-pfizer-vaccination-community-clinic-tickets-152017671949>, by phone at 872-208-5188 and by text at 224-592-5819.

“We need to reach out to underserved communities so they can get the help they deserve. The pandemic may have separated us, but the vaccine is bringing us together,” Abrar Quader, executive director for the Compassionate Care Network (CCN), said. The CCN is a public health non-profit.

“The Salvation Army is excited to partner in this effort to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors can access the vaccine at a location they know and trust,” said Lt. Col. Lonneal Richardson, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division. “We have been here before and during the pandemic, and we will be here long after to help.”