City of Chicago Launches Mobile COVID-19 Vaccination Bus in Austin Community.

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Chicago Police Department 15th District CAPS office hosted a mobile COVID-19 vaccination event in South Austin in partnership with several community organizations.

CDPH’s and CTA’s mobile vaccine bus–the Vaccination Station–parked near Moore Park, while CAPS representatives and volunteers fanned-out door-to-door in an eight-square block radius to speak with community members and invite them to get vaccinated. Volunteers did similar canvassing on Thursday to engage local residents in advance of today’s mobile vaccination event.

“Getting everyone in the City who wants to be vaccinated as quickly as possible is key to putting the pandemic behind us,” said CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. “While case rates are going down, we are seeing persistent cases especially in under-vaccinated areas. Our goal is to increase vaccine uptake in these areas where people are at most risk.”

The event is part of the City’s pilot Block-by-Block vaccination initiative to bring COVID-19 vaccine directly into neighborhoods, with a focus on under-vaccinated communities across the City.

“We’re honored to have played a role in helping ensure residents throughout the 15th District are aware of the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in their own neighborhood to protect themselves, their loved ones and their neighbors,” said CPD 15th District Commander Patrina Wines.

Community-based volunteers from 100 Blocks-100 Churches, BUILD, By the Hand, Hope Community Church, Institute for Non-violence, Jehovah Jireh and West Side Authority all participated in the event.

“COVID has had a devastating impact on our community, and I am encouraging everyone to get a vaccine to protect themselves and their families,” said Pastor Steve Epting of Hope Community Church. “The vaccine is safe and effective, and it offers our best protection against COVID.”