Media Contact: Yolanda Harris – [email protected]
Cook County Rolls Out Saturday Vaccination Clinics for the Season
Suburban residents can get free flu and COVID-19 shots starting Saturday, October 18
BRIDGEVIEW, IL – Cook County residents can get free flu and COVID-19 shots at Saturday vaccination clinics offered by Cook County Department of Public Health, Cook County Health and CountyCare, starting Saturday, Oct. 18 through March 28.
The vaccination clinics will rotate on certain Saturdays of the month in five different Cook County Health ambulatory clinic sites located in Blue Island, Robbins, Ford Heights, Arlington Heights and North Riverside, Ill. The very first vaccination clinic will occur at the Robbins Health Center, 13450 S. Kedzie Ave. in Robbins, Ill. on Oct. 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are not required, and the shots are free of charge.
Cook County Department of Public Health is following the science-based respiratory virus vaccine guidance that was recently issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are generally recommended for all people ages 6 months and older.
“Vaccines are safe and effective and have proven time and time again to prevent people from getting sick,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Thanks to our state guidance, we are ensuring that anybody who wants to be vaccinated can be. We’re urging all residents to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting vaccinated.”
“Unfortunately, we’re entering the time of year where visits to our emergency departments start climbing as more and more people get seriously ill from the flu or COVID-19,” said Cook County Health CEO Dr. Erik Mikaitis. “Vaccination really is the best defense in preventing acute complications and hospitalization.”
“Our Saturday clinics are a vehicle for providing greater access to flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, especially for the uninsured and for communities where vaccination rates are disproportionately lower,” said Dr. Kiran Joshi, chief operating officer of Cook County Department of Public Health.
“Too often barriers like cost or limited hours keep people from getting vaccinated. CountyCare is proud to support these clinics that make it simple for anyone to get vaccinated,” said Aaron Galeener, CountyCare’s chief administrative officer. “The clinics are designed to be patient-centered and convenient- just walk in for a free shot.”
Vaccination Rates:
In the 2024-25 respiratory virus season, 30.6 percent of Cook County residents received a flu vaccination, according to Illinois Department of Public Health data. The vaccination rate for Blacks was only 19.2%, compared to 25.7% for Hispanics, 28.1% for Whites and 28.8% for Asians.
State records show that only 14% of Cook County residents received COVID-19 vaccinations last season. The vaccination rates for Hispanics, Blacks and Asians ranged between 8.6 % and 10.5%, while 14% of whites received the COVID-19 shots.
Research has shown that access to health care, transportation and insurance coverage is linked to vaccination rates. Historical mistrust in the health care system and misinformation also play a role.
“It’s important for people to learn the facts about vaccines,” Dr. Joshi said. “Vaccination saves lives.” Cook County Department of Public Health counters vaccination myths with scienced- based facts on its website.
Saturday Vaccination Clinics:
No appointment is needed to get vaccinated at the Saturday flu and COVID vaccination clinics. Clinics are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on rotating Saturdays at five Cook County Health ambulatory sites.
Residents are encouraged to bring an ID and insurance card, if available. Health insurance is not required, and immigration status does not affect eligibility — everyone is welcome.
Medicaid, Medicare, and most commercial health plans cover the cost of routine vaccines, including flu and COVID-19. No one will be turned away if uninsured.
Vaccination Year-round
Free vaccines are offered year-round at Cook County Health locations by appointment. To schedule a vaccination appointment, call 312-864-0200.
Learn more about recommended vaccinations on Cook County Department of Public Health’s website.
Cook County Department of Public Health is the nationally accredited, state-certified local health department serving suburban Cook County. We build healthier, more equitable communities by protecting health, preventing disease, engaging communities, and analyzing and sharing data for action.
Saturday Vaccination Clinics Schedule (Certain Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
| Clinic | Clinic Location | Vaccination Dates |
| SOUTH SUBURBS: | ||
| Robbins Health Center | 13450 S. Kedzie Ave Robbins, IL 60472 |
Oct. 18 Dec. 6 Jan. 17 March 7 |
| Cottage Grove Health Center | 1645 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Ford Heights, IL 60401 |
Nov. 8 Dec. 13 Jan. 10 Feb. 14 March 14 |
| Blue Island Health Center |
12757 S. Western Ave. Blue Island, IL 60406 |
Nov. 15 Jan. 3 Feb. 21 |
| NORTH SUBURB: | ||
| Arlington Heights |
3250 N. Arlington Heights Road, Suite 300 Arlington Heights, IL 60004 |
Oct. 25 Nov. 22 Dec. 27 Jan. 24 Feb. 28 March 28 |
| WEST SUBURB: | ||
| North Riverside | 1800 S. Harlem Ave Suite A, North Riverside, IL 60546 |
Nov. 1 Dec. 20 Feb. 7 March 21 |
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Cook County Department of Public Health, an affiliate of Cook County Health, is a nationally accredited, state-certified local health department that enforces health regulations, monitors and responds to public health threats and promotes better health in suburban Cook County.