As COVID-19 vaccination rates continue to slow and level-off in Illinois, the state is attempting to meet individuals where they are to get shots into the arms of Illinoisans by offering vaccines at workplaces and other businesses.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Gov. J.B. Pritzker Monday announced the state is partnering with the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago (BOMA) to begin a pilot project to offer vaccines starting in downtown Chicago on May 17.Starting today, buildings and corporate tenants can begin to sign up to host vaccine clinics.
“Our vaccination teams will be showing up to major commercial buildings here in Chicago and other Illinois business districts to offer accessible free vaccination opportunities to people in the comfort of their own workplaces,” Pritzker said Monday. “Many of the buildings have had staff here day-in and day-out, [such as] security workers, front desk staff, custodians and building engineers. For many building tenants, remote work is coming to an end. Having a vaccine available where you work makes getting vaccinated very, very convenient.”
Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said more vaccination clinic sites will become available if demand remains high, and any property owner, including community organizations and not-for-profit churches, will be eligible to join the program and host vaccine clinics.
The first wave of the program will host seven locations in Chicago, two in Rockford, and one in Schaumberg. Two key Chicago locations will be Merchandise Mart and the Wrigley Building.
“Now that we have a vaccine that is proven to be safe and effective, more and more employers are beginning to plan out to, or have already, welcomed employees back to the office. As a government, health care, business, and labor leaders, it’s our responsibility to make sure this transition is as smooth as possible,” Lightfoot said Monday.
Building owners interested in joining the program can contact IDPH or BOMA directly.
Allison Richard
Legislative Consultant
