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By ERIN SCHUMAKER, ABC News
(CHICAGO) Chicago’s United Center mass vaccination site limited appointments to Chicago residents Sunday after most of the initial slots went to people who don’t live in the city.
“So far, more than 40,000 residents 65+ have secured appointments at the United Center. Less than 40% of these appointments were actually made by Chicagoans,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot wrote on Twitter Sunday.
“Equity has always been the guiding light for our vaccine rollout,” Lightfoot added.
To that end, appointments are now restricted to Chicagoans who are 65 years or older, have qualifying jobs or who have underlying health conditions that make them susceptible to severe illness from COVID-19, according to the mayor.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday said limiting the mass vaccination site at Chicago’s United Center to city residents is due to the federal government wanting to make sure people most in need are being vaccinated.
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Chicago s United Center tightens vaccine rules after non-residents book most slots
• 4 min read
Restrictions were announced after out-of-town seniors booked appointments. Scott Olson/Getty Images
Chicago s United Center mass vaccination site limited appointments to Chicago residents Sunday after most of the initial slots went to people who don t live in the city. So far, more than 40,000 residents 65+ have secured appointments at the United Center. Less than 40% of these appointments were actually made by Chicagoans, Mayor Lori Lightfoot wrote on Twitter Sunday. Equity has always been the guiding light for our vaccine rollout, Lightfoot added.
To that end, appointments are now restricted to Chicagoans who are 65 years or older, have qualifying jobs or who have underlying health conditions that make them susceptible to severe illness from COVID-19, according to the mayor.
After days of seniors-only sign-ups for a mass vaccination site at Chicago's United Center, appointments opened to additional groups over the weekend, but a last-minute change meant only Chicago residents could access them.