Updated January 24, 2022
FREE COVID-19 Home Tests
Order your free at-home COVID tests at www.covidtests.gov! Residential households can order one set of 4 free rapid antigen at-home tests. Orders will ship starting in late January.
Vaya a covidtests.gov, haga clic en el botón “Español” en la parte superior derecha de la página
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Information will be rolling out in the coming weeks about the newly approved COVID-19 vaccine. Right now, there is a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine, but supply will increase in the weeks and months to come. Long term care residents and older adults are among one of the first groups who will be eligible to receive the vaccine. Follow our COVID-19 Resource page for the latest information on the vaccine as it rolls out.
COVID-19 Vaccine Location Finder
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has opened a vaccine appointment call center to assist people who do not have access or are having difficulty navigating online services. The call center is open 24/7 and can be reached at (833) 621-1284. For general questions about COVID-19 and Illinois’ guidance, call 800-889-3931 or email [email protected]
COVID-19 Booster Shot & Third Dose Flyers
The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) in partnership with the Department of Public Health (IDPH) provided the following information on COVID booster shots and third dose shots. The flyers are available in multiple languages:
IDoA encourages providers to distribute these flyers widely to older adults and their caregivers including sharing with home delivered meal recipients and posting at Adult Day Centers and senior center sites.
Federal Pharmacy Program Partner
Local Community Vaccine Appointments
County Health Department COVID-19 Vaccine Registries
Local county health departments are creating registries for residents to sign up to receive information about the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine in their county. These registries are free and do not require any personal or confidential information.
DuPage County:
DuPage County COVID-19 Vaccine Information
DuPage County Health Department COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center: (630) 682-7400
Tiene preguntas relacionadas con la vacuna COVID-19? Llamenos DuPage County al (630) 682-7400 y un representante le ayudara.
Grundy County:
Grundy County Health Department
Kane County:
Kendall County:
Kendall County Health Department Vaccine Information
Kankakee County:
Kankakee County Health Department COVID-19 Information
Schedule your appointment through at riversidemychart.org
Lake County:
Lake County COVID-19 Information
Oak Street Health is offering vaccines for those within a 10 mile radius of Grand & Greenbay in Waukegan
North Chicago residents age 65+ can obtain vaccines at Greenbelt Cultural Center
McHenry County:
McHenry County COVID-19 Vaccine Information
McHenry County Vaccine Locator
If you need help enrolling for a COVID-19 vaccine, call the McHenry County Vaccine Call Center at (815) 334-4045. The call center is supported with translation services
Will County:
Will County Health Department COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Will County Health Department has opened a COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment Call Center at (815) 727-8824
Veterans Vaccine Information:
COVID Hotline: 1-800-698-2411
Vaccine Information for Veterans
Hines VA is currently vaccinating Hines or Community Based Outpatient Clinics enrolled patients 65 years or older. Call 708-202-7000 or 708-202-2707 to schedule your appointment. Open 7 days a week.
Lovell Federal Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Vaccine Locator Website for DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry & Will
For eligible people hunting for a vaccine in select Illinois counties, try a website called www.ilvaccine.org.
This website was created by a 13-year-old student named Eli Coustan. His website compiles appointment availability and eligibility info across more than 200 locations in the Chicagoland area. Around half of the locations auto-update, and the others are updated at least daily by volunteers. The website has Spanish translation, and increased contrast and text size options.
*Posted from Access Living Advocacy Alert
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Key Facts About the COVID-19 Vaccine
IDPH COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Information
CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
Helpful Vaccine Information:
8 Things to Know About the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program
What to Expect at Your Appointment to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19
Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
Symptoms of COVID-19:
These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure
What you can do to slow the spread:
AgeGuide Resources for Older Adults & Caregivers during COVID-19
Stores with special shopping hours for older adults:
Aldi: Aldi will open at 8:30 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays for vulnerable shoppers including older adults, expectant mothers and those with underlying health conditions
Caputo’s: Older adults and immunocompromised individuals are welcome to shop Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6 AM to 7:30 AM
Costco: Costco will have a shopping hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 AM to 9 AM that is designated to members who are over 60 years old or have physical disabilities
Dollar General: First hour of operations will be dedicated to older adults. Check with your local store for hours of operation
Jewel-Osco: Older adults are welcome to shop Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7 to 9 AM
Mariano’s: Older adults are welcome to shop daily from 6 AM to 8 AM
Meijer: Special hours for older adults on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 AM to 8 AM
Pete’s Fresh Market: Older adults are welcome to shop Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 8 AM
Target: Older adults and people with health issues will be allowed to shop one hour before stores open on Wednesday mornings
Whole Foods: Whole Foods Market stores will service customers who are 60 and older one hour before opening to the general public
Walmart: From March 24 through April 28, Walmart stores will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers aged 60 and older. This will start one hour before the store opens. Pharmacies and Vision Centers will also be open during this time
Woodmans: Older adults are welcome to shop from 6 AM to 8 AM
Mental Health Resources:
Call4Calm – The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Mental Health Division has launched a free-of-charge emotional support text line, Call4Calm, for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19.
Individuals who would like to speak with a mental health professional can text “TALK” to 5-5-2-0-2-0, or for Spanish, “HABLAR” to the same number: 5-5-2-0-2-0. Call4Calm is free to use, and individuals will remain anonymous.
Once a resident sends a text to the hotline, within 24 hours they will receive a call from a counselor employed by a local community mental health center to provide support.
Individuals can also text 5-5-2-0-2-0, with key words such as “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” and will receive information on how navigate and access supports and services.
Caring for the Wellbeing of Older Adults during COVID-19: Connecting while Physical Distancing
Addressing Social Isolation for Older Adults during COVID-19
Coping with Anxiety during COVID-19
Anxiety and Older Adults: Overcoming Worry and Fear
How Stress Affects Your Health
Food for Older Adults:
Making sure older adults receive the nutrition they need during the Coronavirus pandemic is top priority in Illinois. We want to ensure the health, safety and welfare of older adults during this time. Because of this, the home delivered meals program is being expanded to include anyone who is 60 or older. Meals are available on a temporary basis until further notice. There is a Care Coordination Unit in each county that can help you sign up for meals. To receive meals yourself or to learn more about getting meals for a loved one, click here.
During the shelter in place order, select Community Dining locations are providing carry out meals for older adults. If you are interested in carry out meals,
Any older adult who is concerned about accessing food or experiencing other concerns during this unprecedented event, is encouraged to reach out to the Care Coordination Unit in their county for assistance.
Use the locator map to find a food pantry or soup kitchen near you:
https://solvehungertoday.org/get-help/where-to-get-food/
Mobile food pantries open to the public:
https://solvehungertoday.org/get-help/mobile-pantry-calendar/
Community dining sites are available with “to-go” meals, find a location near you:
https://ageguide.org/senior-nutrition-programs/
Northern Illinois Food Bank Agency Closures:
https://solvehungertoday.org/coronavirus/
SNAP Recipients – As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made adjustments to the SNAP program to provide benefits to those in need. See the adjustments made to the program using the link below:
Protecting Your Finances:
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Information and resources to protect and manage your finances
Protecting your Finances during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Recognize and prevent fraud and scams during the Coronavirus pandemic
Beware of Scams Related to the Coronavirus
Senior Medicare Patrol – COVID-19 Consumer Tip Sheet
If you can’t make your mortgage payments because of hardships due to the Coronavirus, start by understanding your options and reaching out for help
Guide to Coronavirus Mortgage Relief Options
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Information on COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments and other tax relief programs
Social Security Administration – Latest COVID-19 related updates for Social Security Recipients
Beware of COVID-19 Scams:
Beware of fake claims, deals and websites offering home testing kits, medical supplies, vaccines and cures (there currently are none)
Naperville PD COVID-19 Scam Alert
ComEd: Tips to Avoid COVID-19 Related Energy Scams
Information for the LGBT+ Older Adult Community:
Howard Brown Health: One of the nation’s largest LGBT organizations providing health and social services to LGBTQ individuals of all ages – currently offering virtual programs for LGBT older adults and caregivers. Learn more at: https://howardbrown.org/service/aging-services/
Trans Lifeline Hotline: (877) 565-8860
https://www.translifeline.org/hotline
Senior Rainbow Assistance Program: Mission is to provide temporary assistance for LGBTQ seniors experiencing temporary hardships due to medical or financial concerns
https://seniorrainbow.org/index.html
Center Link – The Community of LGBT Centers: https://www.lgbtcenters.org/LGBTCenters
Aids Foundation of Chicago – HIV Resource Hub + COVID-19 Financial Assistance: https://www.aidschicago.org/page/our-work/care-services/hiv-resource-hub
SAGEConnect – Matches LGBTQ elders with community members and allies for friendly calls and companionship: https://www.sageusa.org/sageconnect/
Open Door Health Center of Illinois – Open Door is a regional, patient-centered health care organization that provides services including education, prevention, diagnosis and treatment services to those who have or are at risk for Sexually Transmitted Infections, including HIV/AIDS, in addition to the greater LGBTQ community.
https://odhcil.org/
Staying Connected While Staying at Home:
How to Stay Connected while Intentionally Isolated
How to Stay Connected during Physical Distancing
Informational Links:
Why Aging Black Americans Face Compounded COVID Risk
Keeping Family Together During COVID-19: A Checklist
Should I Take My Loved One Home During COVID-19
Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Slow the Spread of COVID-19
Running Essential Errands during COVID-19
Illinois Coronavirus Information (Illinois Department of Public Health)
Coronavirus: Frequently Asked Questions (CDC)
Coronavirus Information for Older Adults (CDC)
COVID-19 Resources for Older Adults (National Council on Aging)
COVID-19 Information (Administration on Community Living)
Coronavirus: Tips for Dementia Caregivers (Alzheimer’s Association)
If you are an older adult or a caregiver and need assistance, contact AgeGuide at (800) 528-2000
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