In This Issue:
  • Phillips HS Gymnasium Ribbon Cutting
  • COVID-19 Booster Update
  • Energy Bill Assistance
Chicago Rolling Out Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Following Federal Approval

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that Chicago is rolling out two updated COVID-19 vaccines designed specifically to target the Omicron subvariants, in light of final approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The vaccines will be available this week to Chicago residents 12 years and older who have already completed a primary vaccine series. 

The City of Chicago has already been allocated approximately 150,000 doses of the updated vaccines, with more following in the coming weeks. For those who need help finding a nearby site, Vaccines.gov is a free online service that you can use to search for pharmacies and providers that offer vaccination. Residents can also call the City’s COVID-19 call center at 312-746-4835.

The new vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are being called "bivalent boosters," meaning they are a mix of two versions of the vaccine — both boosting protection against original coronavirus strain as well as (newly) protecting against the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants. Nearly all (99.8%) of COVID-19 new cases in the U.S. are BA.4 or BA.5.

Key details about the updated vaccines (bivalent boosters):
  • These new vaccines are approved for those who have completed their primary series — two doses of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) or one dose of Johnson & Johnson (J&J).
  • The Pfizer vaccine is available for those age 12 and up, Moderna age 18 and up.
  • The updated vaccines are recommended at least two months following completion of the primary series or booster vaccination.
  • Patients can mix-and-match mRNA brands for their primary series, previous booster dose(s), and bivalent booster dose — you can also pair the updated vaccine with your annual flu shot and some other vaccines.
  • This updated vaccine will replace current booster doses (monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) for individuals 12 years of age and older.
  • The updated vaccines have met FDA and CDC’s rigorous safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality standards.

Additional answers to frequently asked questions about the new vaccine will continue to be updated at Chicago.gov/Boost.

There are many ways people can get the updated vaccines. For clinics hosted by CDPH, a $50 gift card may be offered for booster doses, as advertised, depending on availability and eligibility.

  • Call or visit your local pharmacy’s website for more information on availability of the updated COVID-19 vaccine. More than 130 pharmacy locations in Chicago are expected to receive the updated vaccine this week:
  • CVS
  • Jewel-Osco
  • Walgreens
  • Mariano's
  • Walmart
  • Costco
  • CDPH’s in-home vaccination program, Protect Chicago At Home, will offer the updated COVID-19 vaccine, as well as primary doses for anyone age 6 months and up. Appointments for homebound individuals, those age 65 and up, as well as those living in certain zip codes will be prioritized. Up to 10 people can be vaccinated at a time. Make an at-home appointment at Chicago.gov/AtHome or by calling 312-746-4835.

  • CDPH 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. The first clinics will be held Saturday, Sept. 10 at Olive Harvey College (10001 S. Woodlawn Ave.) and Arturo Velasquez Westside Technical Institute (2800 S. Western Ave.). Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows.

  • CDPH is partnering with aldermen and organizations across all 50 wards to provide flu/COVID-19 vaccination clinics this fall, that 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.

COVID-19 vaccines — including the updated, bivalent boosters — are free, and no government-issued ID or insurance is required. Learn more at Chicago.gov/COVIDvax.
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Gov. Pritzker Announces $300 Million in Funding for Energy Bill Assistance
Families can apply for energy bill support beginning September 1, 2022

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) are encouraging families in need to apply for $300 million in available funding for energy bill assistance through the Help Illinois Families program. All families who meet the criteria and provide required documentation are eligible to receive bill assistance for natural gas, propane, and electricity through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

On September 1, 2022, families can apply by visiting helpillinoisfamilies.com or by visiting their local agency (a list of partners throughout the State can be found here). Families can also call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages.

LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year's LIHEAP recipients received an average of $1,330 per household. All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two-times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. A chart with eligible income thresholds can be found on this webpage

Key Information for Families to Apply:
  • Visit helpillinoisfamilies.com to fill out and submit a request for services form online OR visit your local agency (a list of partners throughout the State can be found here)
  • After you submit the form, someone from your local agency will be in touch.
  • Call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance at any point during this process.
  • Additional information about eligibility and criteria can be found on the website.