Vaccination encouraged as flu season approaches

Published on October 06, 2025

With students in the classroom, indoor gatherings increasing and respiratory illness season approaching, local public health officials remind residents that consistent handwashing, staying home when sick and annual immunizations can help keep the community as healthy as possible.

Flu shots

Flu shots are recommended for everyone older than six months. The flu vaccine is offered through most healthcare providers and at numerous commercial pharmacies, grocery stores and other retail sites in the Oak Park area. Most of these sites accept private insurance and Medicare Part B to help cover the cost of the flu shot. Many sites will vaccinate children as young as 18 months. Residents can email health@oak-park.us or call 708.358.5480 with questions about access to an affordable flu shot. For more information from the CDC about the flu vaccine and preventing seasonal flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention.

COVID-19

Health officials encourage community members to add the COVID-19 vaccine to their annual vaccine schedule, much like the flu shot. COVID-19 shots will be offered at most of the same locations as the flu shot, along with local health care providers. For help locating a vaccine provider, contact the Public Health Department at health@oak-park.us or 708.358.5480.

Back-to-school vaccines

If your child or children have fallen off their routine immunization schedule required for school, now is the time to get back on track. Routine immunizations are a great tool to keep kids healthy, in school and ready to learn. For information about which immunizations are required or assistance accessing affordable vaccines, email health@oak-park.us or call 708.358.5480. For children who are insured with Medicaid, are uninsured, or on plans that don't include vaccines, there are low-cost and sliding-scale options available at the Infant Welfare Society Children's Clinic or PCC Community Wellness Center.

IDPH Recommendations

(PDF, 155KB)