There’s a shot! Mass vaccination site opens next to Wrigley Field

Want to catch the Cubs and do your part to try to avoid catching — or spreading — COVID-19?

Beginning this week, eligible Chicagoans can head to Wrigleyville to get vaccinated. The American Airlines Conference Center at Gallagher Way, next to Wrigley Field, is one of two new mass vaccination sites opening in the city; the other is at Chicago State University.

The North Side facility is expected to offer up to 2,000 shots daily, according to the mayor’s office. Chicago State is expected to offer up to 1,200 walk-up and 1,000 drive-thru vaccination appointments daily. Shots at either site are available by appointment only. To register, go to zocdoc.com/vaccine.

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All of the slots at the North Side location were booked through Friday, but registration for appointments for next week was expected to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, organizers said. All Chicago residents in Phase 1a, 1b or 1c are eligible to receive a shot at either location. People must bring proof of residency to their appointments. The vaccinations are free and medical insurance is not required.

The Chicago Department of Public Health is overseeing the Chicago State site, while Advocate Aurora Health, in partnership with the Chicago Cubs, is overseeing the North Side site.

As vaccinations kicked off Monday at the North Side site, organizers there said they hoped the proximity to good public transportation and Wrigley Field itself would encourage people to come get vaccinated — particularly young adults, who, it is believed, are fueling the current surge in cases in the city.

“This location is perfect for young adults to come, get vaccinated and really help to get us closer to a sense of normalcy,” said Dr. David Trotter, chair of emergency medicine at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center.