Contact: Brian Richardson
312.747.9805
Brian.Richardson@cityofchicago.org
CDPH TELLS RESIDENTS TO TAKE PRIDE IN GETTING A #FLUSHOT WITH
“I GOT MINE” CAMPAIGN
Campaign features Family Flu Clinics to provide easily accessible flu shots to Chicago residents
CHICAGO – November 1, 2016 – The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) yearly flu shot clinics are underway across the city. In addition, CDPH today announced two Saturday events in November dedicated to helping Chicago residents get vaccinated against the flu.
Family Flu Clinics will provide parents and children the opportunity to get their flu shots together, along with fun, family-oriented activities. Events will be held Saturday, November 5th and Saturday, November 12th at five City Colleges around Chicago.
In addition, CDPH has collaborated with various partners, including Aldermen from across the city, to host more than 70 community events where residents receive their flu shot for no out-of-pocket cost. Residents can attend any of the walk-in clinic events and are asked to bring their Medicare or proof of insurance card, if they have one. Those that receive the vaccine will get an #IGotMine sticker along with their flu shot.
In the United States, up to 20 percent of the population is infected with the flu every year and approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized for it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that every individual six months of age or older get a yearly flu shot, which protects against several strains of the virus.
“The flu vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself against the flu. Not only will the vaccine help keep you from catching the flu, but it will keep you from missing school and work due to being ill,” said CDPH Commissioner Dr. Julie Morita. “The more Chicagoans who get vaccinated, the less the flu will spread across the city.”
Family Flu Clinics and other events are part of an annual public awareness campaign created by the Chicago Department of Public Health. The “I Got Mine” campaign directs Chicagoans to locations where they can conveniently get a flu vaccine at no cost to the individual. The campaign will run throughout the month of November and will feature transit, broadcast and digital ads in English and Spanish, as well as social media.
“When you get a flu shot, you’re not only protecting yourself, but also your family, friends and your community,” said Dr. Marielle Fricchione, CDPH Immunization Program Medical Director. “We want residents from across the city to be proud of this – tell people ‘I Got Mine’ in person and on social media, and ask ‘Did you get yours?’”
To get vaccinated, talk to your doctor or call your local pharmacy. If you do not have a doctor, call 311 to locate a CDPH Fast Track Immunization Clinic. You can also use the Flu Clinic Finder to locate a place nearby. Follow along for updates throughout November using the #IGotMine hashtag on social media.
See below for the dates, times and locations of this year’s Family Flu Clinics:
Saturday, November 5, 2016
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Kennedy King College | 6343 S. Halsted Street (Building W)
Truman College | 1145 W. Wilson Avenue
Saturday, November 12, 2016
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Arturo Velasquez Institute | 2800 S. Western Avenue
Daley College | 7500 S. Pulaski Road
Wright College | 4300 N. Narragansett Avenue
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