Rush has reached an important milestone in its efforts to safely, equitably and efficiently distribute COVID-19 vaccines to its patients and community.
As of Monday, April 19, following guidelines from the Chicago Department of Health, Rush University Medical Center has moved to phase 2 of COVID-19 vaccine distribution. This change means the Medical Center now is offering COVID-19 vaccine appointments to everyone age 16 and older.
Earlier this month, Rush Oak Park Hospital also moved to phase 2, following guidance from the Cook County Department of Public Health. Because Rush Oak Park primarily is distributing the Moderna vaccine for COVID-19, which is approved for people ages 18 and up, 16- and 17-year-olds cannot be vaccinated at Rush Oak Park.
At Rush Copley Medical Center, appointments are available for Rush Copley Medical Group patients age 16 and older. (All COVID-19 vaccinations at Rush University Medical Center and Rush Copley Medical Center use the Pfizer vaccine, which is approved for people age 16 and older.)
Appointment restrictions
While phase 2 includes vaccine eligibility for everyone who meets the age requirements, there are restrictions on who can schedule an appointment at Rush hospitals. Please keep in mind the following important restrictions regarding the vaccines:
- Vaccinations at the Medical Center are restricted to people who live or receive care in Chicago, whether through Rush or another health care institution in the city.
- Vaccinations at Rush Oak Park are only available to those who live, work or receive health care in suburban Cook County.
- Vaccinations at Rush Copley are currently available only to Rush Copley Medical Group patients.
The restrictions at Rush University Medical Center and Rush Oak Park are based on guidelines from the Chicago and Cook County departments of public health.
How to schedule a vaccine appointment
Patients can schedule in MyChart or through the Rush website for appointments at Rush University Medical Center and Rush Oak Park Hospital. Patients also can schedule by calling the Rush Access Center at (888) 352-7874. If you need assistance scheduling a vaccination appointment, please send your questions via email to rush_vaccinations@rush.edu or call (888) 352-RUSH. Rush Copley Medical Group patients should call their provider’s office to schedule their vaccination.
When scheduling, if you do not see any available appointments, it means no appointments are available. Please continue to return frequently to the Rush website to check, as new appointment times are added every week in conjunction with vaccine allocation.
For the most up-to-date information about vaccines and vaccine distribution, visit the FAQs page on rush.edu.
