COVID-19
Cook County Department of Public follows the scienced-based vaccination recommendations of the Illinois Department of Public Health for flu, COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccinations. Access more details about our vaccination guidance to prevent respiratory illnesses here .
For other routine, non-seasonal, vaccinations, we follow the recommended vaccination schedule of the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as the CDC adult immunization schedule and the CDC youth immunization schedule from Aug. 7, 2025.
Get free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at our Saturday vaccination clinics.
About COVID-19
COVID-19 often causes respiratory symptoms that feel like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill.
How COVID-19 Spreads
COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. Other people can breathe in these droplets and particles, or these droplets and particles can land on others’ eyes, nose, or mouth. In some circumstances, these droplets may contaminate the surfaces they touch. Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do NOT have symptoms. COVID-19 can even spread from people to animals in some situations.
Prevention
- The single most important step in preventing COVID-19 is getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
- COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for children who are at least 6 months old, all pregnant people and adults 18 years and older, per state of Illinois guidance.
- CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance provides actions you can take to lower the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19.
- Improve ventilation .
COVID-19 Data
Access suburban Cook County data on COVID and other respiratory diseases here: Respiratory Surveillance Data
Fact Sheet About COVID
Updated November 19, 2025, 1:21 PM