Mayor Lori Lightfoot receives her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination from CDPH Commissioner, Dr. Allison Arwady following a press conference announcing the launch of the Protect Chicago Plus Initiative.
As the City of Chicago transitions into ‘Phase 1b’ of the COVID-19 vaccination plan, Mayor Lightfoot, along with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) have announced a plan to ensure racial equity in the next phase of vaccine distribution through the Protect Chicago Plus Initiative.
The Protect Chicago Plus Initiative will target 15 of Chicago’s most impacted and vulnerable communities including West Englewood, New City, Gage Park, North Lawndale, South Lawndale, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Roseland, Archer Heights, Washington Heights, Austin, Montclare, South Deering, Belmont Cragin, and Humboldt Park.
“As I’ve said often during the pandemic, equity is not only part of our COVID-19 relief strategy, equity is our strategy, said Mayor Lightfoot. “All of us in city government as well our many community partners are working every day to ensure the vaccine is getting to those who need it most. And most importantly, we’re working to share the proper information so that when it becomes available, people make the informed choice to take it.”
Prior to the announcement, Mayor Lightfoot rolled up her sleeve to receive her first of two doses of the vaccine.
“I want you to hear it from me: the COVID-19 vaccine is safe. Period,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “I’m excited to get it to protect myself and my loved ones from this terrible virus. I know there’s some hesitancy out in the community to get it, especially among our Black and Latinx Chicagoans. A hesitancy that is rooted in a history of mistreatment in our country. But as a Black woman, I’m stepping up and getting it, and I encourage everyone to do the same. This is what our city needs, and it is on each of us to do our part. I have done mine and will continue to do more. I ask that you follow.”
For more information regarding Protect Chicago Plus and Chicago’s vaccination distribution plans, visit Chicago.gov/covidvax
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