Vaccinations

Vaccine Recommendations: Winter 2026

CPS works to ensure all students are up-to-date on required and recommended vaccines. The District partners with government public health agencies and health care providers to provide access to vaccines for students, regardless of health insurance status.

Required vs. Recommended Vaccines

CPS students are required by the State of Illinois to have certain vaccines, or an approved waiver or exemption, to attend school. The deadline for required vaccines is October 15, 2025. Please review this Minimum Health Requirements document [ ENGLISH | SPANISH ] and talk with your child’s health care provider to determine which vaccines your child needs. Some exceptions may apply. Parents can also view the Illinois Department of Public Health’s immunization guidance for a vaccine schedule for their children and themselves.

Also, during the colder months of the year when respiratory illnesses are more common, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommend students and staff stay up-to-date on flu, COVID and RSV vaccines. Vaccines can reduce the risk of serious illness, protect your family and community, and minimize the amount of time your child is unable to attend school due to a prolonged illness. The flu and COVID vaccines are updated each year to match the viral strains circulating that year.

Below is CDPH’s (and IDPH) fall respiratory virus immunization recommendation, broken down by age. Please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health’s immunization guidance page for more information on recommended vaccines.

Your child’s doctor can also answer any questions you might have about vaccines. If your child does not have a doctor, you can enroll them as a patient at one of Chicago’s Federally Qualified Health Care Centers or one of Chicago Public Schools' School-Based Health Centers.

CDPH Immunization Recommendations

Fall/Winter 2025-'26

How to Get Vaccinated

• Doctor/Local Provider/Pharmacy: The fastest and easiest way to get a vaccine is through your child’s doctor, local health care provider, or a local in-network pharmacy. To find vaccine opportunities, please visit IDPH's vaccine locator, findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov, or contact your local pharmacy such as Jewel-Osco or Walgreens.
• School-Based Health Centers: If your child does not have a primary care provider, you can enroll them as a patient at one of Chicago’s multiple Federally Qualified Health Care Centers or one of the dozens of School-Based Health Centers located in CPS facilities across the city. These centers are run by hospitals and community health centers, not CPS, and each has different hours and rules about eligibility and cost; please visit this link to find an SBHC near you, and please call ahead to make an appointment and get more information.
• CDPH Vaccine Events: Visit this link to sign up for vaccine events offered by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). CDPH events aim to serve families that are uninsured, underinsured, or receive coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, although all eligible students needing vaccines are welcome. Vaccines are free of charge for children regardless of insurance coverage. Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registering for an appointment is strongly preferred.

More Vaccine Opportunities

In addition to the opportunities listed in the previous section, CPS students can also receive vaccines in several other ways:

• CPS' Mobile Care Services by CIMPAR: Chicago Public Schools is excited to welcome its students, their families, and members of the surrounding school community to receive school required and recommended health services, including, but not limited to, physical examinations and immunizations. Insurance information is needed for some services (private or public-Medicaid/Medicare). Click here to register for an upcoming event. Appointments are encouraged. Walk-ins are permitted while supplies last. Eligible patients (minors under the age of 18 years) must be consented by a parent/guardian unless an exception applies. Email the CPS' Primary Care Services team if you have any questions at schoolhealth@cps.edu or call the Healthy CPS Hotline at (773) 553-KIDS.
• PRISM Health: Through a donation from PRISM Health, CPS is able to offer additional vaccine opportunities to students. Click here to register for an event. Vaccines are available to all eligible, school-aged Chicagoans, regardless of insurance. No insurance or ID is required. Parent or guardian consent is required for students under the age of 18. Email the CPS' Primary Care Services team if you have any questions at schoolhealth@cps.edu or call the Healthy CPS Hotline at (773) 553-KIDS.
• Additional Mobile Events: CPS school communities are also served by mobile health events managed by a variety of health care partners. Families will find out about these opportunities from their child’s school; please consult your school’s administration regarding any upcoming vaccine opportunities.