Overview

It’s respiratory illness season, and COVID-19 and flu cases and hospitalizations related to respiratory illness are now rising in Illinois. Data also shows that respiratory illnesses spread more rapidly as families and staff gather with loved ones for the holidays. For these reasons, it’s extra important this year to take safety precautions, including getting vaccinated and testing for COVID-19.

 

Get Tested for COVID-19 and Stay Home If You Feel Sick: When school is in session, rapid at-home COVID-19 tests are available at any school, to any student or staff member, at any time. Please reach out to your school for more information. During the winter break (Dec. 22 - Jan. 7), tests are available at Chicago Public Library (CPL) locations throughout the city. Every U.S. household can also place an order to receive four more free, at-home COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home.

 

 

Get Your Updated COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines: Vaccines are available to students through CPS’ vaccine events and School-Based Health Centers. Because the District has received a limited supply of the vaccine, CPS is reserving these no-cost vaccines for students who are uninsured, under-insured, or get insurance through Medicaid. Visit cps.edu/vaccines for more information and to make an appointment.

• For staff, parents, and guardians who are uninsured, under-insured, or get coverage through Medicaid, we encourage getting a vaccine through a federally-qualified health center, a CDPH Immunization Clinic, or a vaccine event run by the City of Chicago. You can find a list of these local events happening all across the city at chicago.gov/COVIDvax.
• For families and staff who are privately insured, we encourage reaching out to your health care providers or health insurance directly about these vaccines or find a vaccine through vaccines.gov.

 

Take Everyday Health Precautions: Everyday preventive actions can help protect you and your loved ones from developing a respiratory illness like COVID-19, the flu, and RSV:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cover your coughs and sneezes using a tissue or your elbow.
• If your child is sick, keep them home except to get medical care. Even if your school-aged child appears to have mild symptoms, younger siblings can become very sick from the same virus.
• Maximize indoor ventilation and air circulation by opening windows and hosting activities outdoors whenever possible
• Wear a mask if you develop any symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough, or fever
• Wear a mask when in crowded places and when around individuals who are medically vulnerable