21stCenturyLearners

COVID resource updates for families December 2021

Hello Catalyst families!

We hope that you are safe, healthy and are doing well! We want to provide resources for families on ways to stay safe while going about our daily lives and celebrating the holidays:

  • Get vaccinated and get a booster. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and by far the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the virus. It’s also the best way to stop future variants from forming. The more a virus spreads, the more it can change, and the more difficult it can be to contain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 vaccines can reduce the risk of people spreading COVID-19. When more people are vaccinated, the virus can’t spread as easily, and we will see less transmission and fewer variants. This will lead to healthier and safer communities.
  • Right now, everyone aged five and older can get vaccinated against COVID-19, and everyone aged 18 years and older who is fully vaccinated is eligible to receive a booster shot. If you need a vaccine or booster, make an appointment today through vaccines.gov; chi.gov/covidvax; or a CPS regional COVID-19 vaccine clinic, mobile event, or school-based health center
  • Catalyst will host on-site vaccination days for scholars on December 10, 2022 at Catalyst Maria and December 16, 2022 at Catalyst Circle Rock. 
  • If you are fully vaccinated, you can gather with others who have been fully vaccinated without restrictions. If you are not fully vaccinated, you should consider not attending gatherings over the holidays. If you still plan to do so despite the risks, we encourage you to take a COVID-19 test before and after the gathering, as well as mask and social distance when possible. This is especially important if you are gathering with people outside your immediate circle or with people who are medically fragile.
  • If you are fully vaccinated, you can safely travel for the holidays.Individuals who are not vaccinated should consider delaying travel until fully vaccinated. If you must travel, unvaccinated people should follow the CDPH Travel Advisory guidelines
  • If you are sick or experiencing any COVID- or flu-like symptoms, you should stay home and NOT attend any gatherings, even if you are vaccinated.We understand that missing out on holiday celebrations is disappointing, but you must do your part to ensure the safety of your friends and loved ones during the holidays.

We can reduce the risk of another surge in cases by following these tips, remaining vigilant about your health, and making choices that are considerate of the health of others. We will continue to follow the science regarding COVID-19, and if adjustments to our health and safety protocols are needed, we will provide updates as soon as possible. 

In the meantime, Catalyst will keep in place all the protections we know will help stop the spread of COVID-19, and we urge Catalyst staff and families to get vaccinated and take care to protect their health and the health of our school communities.

Thank you and stay safe this holiday season!

Chicago Youth Vaccination Opportunities May 2021

Dear Catalyst families, 

We hope that you are safe, healthy and are doing well! Everyone 12 years or older is now eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in Illinois!  All COVID-19 vaccines are offered at no-cost to everyone, regardless of insurance and immigration status. Insurance and government-issued ID are NOT required. 

  • Pfizer vaccine appointments are available for 12+ at UIC Credit One Arena. Parents/legal guardians must accompany minors 12-17 years old, but consent can be obtained by phone. Schedule at vaccine.uihealth.care or at 833-536-9829.
  • Pfizer vaccine appointments are available at multiple city sites. Anyone 12-17-years-old may book an appointment, but a parent or legal guardian must be present at the appointment. Appointments can be scheduled at zocdoc.com/vaccine or by calling 312-746-4835. Appointments are strongly preferred, but not required.
      • Gallagher Way (Wrigley Field)    1119 W. Waveland Ave.           (Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri)
      • Apostolic Faith Church             3823 S. Indiana Ave.           (Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun)
      • United Center                        1724 W. Madison St.            (Open daily until May 3)
      • Chicago State University          9501 S. King. Dr.                (Mon-Sat, closed Sunday)

In addition, these partner organizations with community locations also provide Pfizer vaccine (12+): *This list is not exhaustive and may change.

CPS Vaccination Site Details

In addition, CPS is partnering with CDPH and CTU to coordinate vaccination events at specific CPS schools.  On Saturday, May 15th between 10am-12pm, Youth Vaccination Events will be held at the following schools:  

List of School Sites  

  • Westinghouse HS
  • Nash ES
  • Marshall HS
  • Juarez HS
  • Chicago Vocational HS
  • This is part of the new Protect Chicago Vaccination Bus project which uses a modified CTA bus to bring vaccination services into the community.  Due to limited supply at these sites, schools located more than 1.5 miles from the school vaccination sites are encouraged to share the opportunities listed above with their families. Vaccination occurs on the Protect Chicago Vaccination Bus, while an observation area is set up outside of the vehicle. A few other important items of note:

Types of Vaccine:

  • Pfizer (12 y.o.+ / 2 dose series, 21 days)
  • Johnson & Johnson (18 y.o+/ 1 dose series)
  • Eligibility:
    • Youth accompanied by Parent/Legal Guardian (12 y.o.+)
    • 18 y.o.+ do not need to be accompanied by parent/guardian
    • Appointments/Registration:
      • No appointment necessary.  Registration is required on location.
      • Limited Vaccine Supply at these sites

Chicago Youth Vaccination Opportunities May 13, 2021

Dear Catalyst families, 

We hope that you are safe, healthy and are doing well! Everyone 12 years or older is now eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in Illinois!  All COVID-19 vaccines are offered at no-cost to everyone, regardless of insurance and immigration status. Insurance and government-issued ID are NOT required. 

Still have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine?

If you are interested in learning more about the COVID-19 vaccine, we encourage you to:

  • Pfizer vaccine appointments are available for 12+ at UIC Credit One Arena. Parents/legal guardians must accompany minors 12-17 years old, but consent can be obtained by phone. Schedule at vaccine.uihealth.care or at 833-536-9829.
  • Pfizer vaccine appointments are available at multiple city sites. Anyone 12-17-years-old may book an appointment, but a parent or legal guardian must be present at the appointment. Appointments can be scheduled at zocdoc.com/vaccine or by calling 312-746-4835. Appointments are strongly preferred, but not required.
      • Gallagher Way (Wrigley Field)    1119 W. Waveland Ave.           (Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri)
      • Apostolic Faith Church             3823 S. Indiana Ave.           (Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun)
      • United Center                        1724 W. Madison St.            (Open daily until May 3)
      • Chicago State University          9501 S. King. Dr.                (Mon-Sat, closed Sunday)

In addition, these partner organizations with community locations also provide Pfizer vaccine (12+): *This list is not exhaustive and may change.

CPS Vaccination Site Details

In addition, CPS is partnering with CDPH and CTU to coordinate vaccination events at specific CPS schools.  On Saturday, May 15th between 10am-12pm, Youth Vaccination Events will be held at the following schools:  

List of School Sites  

  • Westinghouse HS
  • Nash ES
  • Marshall HS
  • Juarez HS
  • Chicago Vocational HS
  • This is part of the new Protect Chicago Vaccination Bus project which uses a modified CTA bus to bring vaccination services into the community.  Due to limited supply at these sites, schools located more than 1.5 miles from the school vaccination sites are encouraged to share the opportunities listed above with their families. Vaccination occurs on the Protect Chicago Vaccination Bus, while an observation area is set up outside of the vehicle. A few other important items of note:

Types of Vaccine:

  • Pfizer (12 y.o.+ / 2 dose series, 21 days)
  • Johnson & Johnson (18 y.o+/ 1 dose series)
  • Eligibility:
    • Youth accompanied by Parent/Legal Guardian (12 y.o.+)
    • 18 y.o.+ do not need to be accompanied by parent/guardian
    • Appointments/Registration:
      • No appointment necessary.  Registration is required on location.
      • Limited Vaccine Supply at these sites
  • Schedule an appointment with a pharmacy: The City of Chicago has provided vaccines to pharmacies across Chicago. These pharmacies each have their own registration link which can be found below. Pharmacies have been asked to prioritize Chicagoans and current patients. For students ages 12-17, be sure to confirm that the pharmacy you choose has the Pfizer vaccine.
    • Walgreens: register online, call your local Walgreens, or 1-800-WALGREENS (1-800-925-4733)
    • Mariano's: register online
    • Walmart: call: 833-886-0023; Option 1
    • Jewel Osco: register online or call 877-723-3929
    • Chicago Costco Pharmacies: register online for an appointment, or call the pharmacy directly
    • Chicago Costco Pharmacies 1430 S. Ashland (Chicago IL Medical District) : call (312) 492-3601
    • Chicago Costco Pharmacies  2745 N. Clybourn Ave (Lincoln Park) : call (773)-360-2052
    • Other Illinois Costco Pharmacies
  • Enroll with one of Chicago’s many Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
  • Reach out to Chicago Vaccine Angels. My Block, My Hood, My City has partnered with the Chicago Vaccine Angels to help all Chicagoans get access to a vaccine appointment regardless of insurance or immigration status. A group of volunteers will secure an appointment for you at a convenient time and location.  They can also help with transportation, if needed. If you are interested in booking a COVID-19 vaccination, please click here to sign-up or call 312-600-8925.

COVID vaccine update and resources for families 5.11.21

Dear Catalyst families,

We hope that you are safe, healthy and are doing well. Chicago’s city-operated COVID-19 vaccine sites will begin offering the Pfizer vaccine to children 12 to 15 starting Thursday May 13, 2021 (in addition to those 16+ who were previously eligible).  The COVID-19 vaccines are offered free of charge, no insurance or ID is required, and no appointment is necessary.  To find a locaton of the city-operated site please visit Zocdoc - https://www.zocdoc.com/vaccine or use their call center at 312-746-4835. The city operated clinics include the United Center site and additional city sites include:

  • American Airlines Conference Center at Gallagher Way in Wrigley Field, 1119 W. Waveland Ave.; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday (operated by Advocate Aurora).
  • Apostolic Faith Church, 3823 S. Indiana; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday.
  • Chicago State University walk-up; Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center, 9501 S. King Drive; noon-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.
  • United Center drive-thru, 1724 W. Madison; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.
  • Richard J. Daley College, 7500 S. Pulaski, noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.
  • Wilbur Wright College, 4300 N. Narragansett; noon-6 p.m. Wednesday and Friday.
  • Loretto Hospital, 645 S. Central; noon-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.

Below are resources for students and families to access the vaccine:

  • You can contact your health care provider- the clinic, health center, or hospital where you receive health services.
  • Federal, State, and County-operated clinics – Please check eligibility-requirements outlined by each jurisdiction.
  • Several pharmacy chains are currently offering COVID-19 vaccine, and each has its own registration link:
    • Walgreens appointments can be made through this link.  
    • Jewel-Osco appointments can be made through this link.
    • Walmart appointments can be made through this link.
    • Mariano’s appointments can be made through this here.

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Please join our efforts as a champion for changing lives at The Catalyst Schools. If you would like to speak with a Catalyst staff member about your donation, please call us at 773-295-7001.