CHICAGO, IL – PCC Community Wellness Center (PCC) is partnering with Rush and the Protect Chicago Plus (PCP) initiative to vaccinate 1,200 residents in the Austin community every Sunday beginning Sunday, March 14 through Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Catalyst Circle Rock Charter School, 116 N. Central Avenue. Healthcare volunteers will administer vaccinations from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The PCP program is a city-wide strategy initiated by the Chicago Department of Public Health to get vaccine supply and necessary resources to neighborhoods that have been most troubled by the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency collaborates with community healthcare clinics and hospitals, Federally Health Qualified Centers (FQHCs), local officials, stakeholders, and community-based organizations in these vulnerable areas to organize vaccination sites and ensure residents are registered to receive the vaccine.
Shots are given in two doses, with three weeks of the first doses followed by three weeks of the second doses. The Austin initiative is sponsored jointly by Rush and Loretto Hospital. Partners include Alderman Emma Mitts (D-37th Ward), Alderman Jason Ervin (D-28th Ward), Alderman Chris Taliaferro (D-29th Ward), Rush, Loretto Hospital, PCC Community Wellness, Austin Coming Together, and The Catalyst Schools.
"We are pleased to participate in the Protect Chicago Plus - Austin initiative to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus," said Dr. Paul Luning, chief medical officer at PCC Community Wellness.
According to the City's most recent COVID vulnerability index (CCVI) report, of the 26 neighborhoods listed as the most affected by COVID, 15 are in the top tier. Districts are ranked by highest susceptibility during the pandemic and often linked to low socioeconomic status, high COVID hospital admission rates, and high rates of COVID deaths. West Side communities on CCVI's high vulnerability list include Austin, North and South Lawndale, Belmont Cragin, and East Garfield Park. Belmont Cragin was a pilot site and completed its event with 2,000 residents vaccinated each weekend. PCC was a partner in that event as well.
"This is an enormous collaborative effort by organizations across the Greater West Side of Chicago. We are honored to work with our fellow healthcare providers to improve the health of the communities we serve," said Dr. Luning.
Shots are by appointment only. No walk-ins accepted. Individuals must register for the vaccine, be 18 years of age or older, and live in the Austin community. Austin residents interested in receiving the vaccine can register at www.rush.edu/austin or call 312-563-0767. To learn more about Protect Chicago Plus, go to www.chicago.gov.
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About PCC Community Wellness Center
PCC Community Wellness Center (PCC) is a Federally Qualified Community Health Center with the mission of improving health outcomes for the medically underserved community through the provision of quality, affordable, and accessible primary health care and support services. Anchored with family medicine, PCC is committed to serving the needs of all people in all stages of life.
