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Three Chicago colleges — Columbia College Chicago, DePaul University and Loyola University — have announced they will require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before the fall semester begins.
There is as yet no statewide policy requiring college students to get vaccinated.
“We want everybody to get vaccinated that’s no doubt. As to whether we’d require people to get vaccinated in order to come back on campus, that’s something that’s under some discussion,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said at an unrelated news conference Wednesday.
To make it easier for college students to roll up their sleeves, the state has deployed mobile vaccination clinics to college campuses and has hosted “College Vaccination Days.”
“What we want right now is for people to raise their hand and say, ‘I want to get vaccinated,’” Pritzker said, adding it’s become easier than ever for someone to get a shot as supply has increased and demand has waned.
“Over the next two weeks and beyond, you’re going to be able to raise your hand and go somewhere today to get vaccinated,” he said.
Both suburban Cook County and Chicago have opened their mass vaccination sites to walk-in appointments.
As of Wednesday, more than 9 million Illinois residents have received a COVID-19 shot, according to Illinois Department of Public Health data. Of the state’s 12.7 million residents, more than 30% have been fully vaccinated.
Chicago appointments are available at zocdoc.com/vaccine and can be scheduled by calling 312-746-4835.
For information about suburban Cook County COVID-19 vaccinations, including how to register for an appointment, visit vaccine.cookcountyil.gov or call 833-308-1988, which operates 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday.
Illinois residents can also call the state hot line (833-621-1284) to make an appointment.
Contact Kristen Thometz: @kristenthometz | (773) 509-5452 | [email protected]