Cook County Department of Public Health

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

Everyone ages 6 months and older should get the updated COVID vaccine to stay protected this season. The vaccine is especially important for young children, older adults, and pregnant people.

Find a flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinic near you: bit.ly/saturdayclinics

12/09/2025

💉This Saturday, CCDPH is providing free flu and COVID-19 shots from 8AM to 4PM at the Cottage Grove Health Center. Walk-ins are welcome and no appointment is needed. Vaccinations are available for everyone 6 months and older, regardless of insurance or immigration status.

📅 Saturday, December 13
⏰ 8 AM – 4 PM
📍Cottage Grove Health Center - 1645 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Ford Heights, IL

See the full schedule here: bit.ly/saturdayclinics

Get your flu and COVID-19 shots for free at our vaccination clinics, which are open on rotating Saturdays, starting Oct. 18-March 28 at five suburban Cook County locations.

12/08/2025

Too many residents still don’t know where to turn in a mental health crisis. Our op-ed calls for elevating 9-8-8, expanding supports, and building a more equitable crisis care system for suburban Cook County: https://ow.ly/Ser750XFQIH

12/08/2025

For the week ending November 29, respiratory illness activity levels remain minimal for COVID-19 and low for flu and RSV in suburban Cook County.

Stay healthy by washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying up to date on vaccinations.

Find free flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics near you: bit.ly/saturdayclinics.

View current data and weekly updates at ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/respiratory.

12/06/2025

Hepatitis B ... here’s what you need to know and why the birth dose matters. It protects babies before they’re exposed. Delaying the vaccine increases the chance of lifelong infection and leaves babies vulnerable during their highest risk period. Find more information about why the Hep B vaccine is so important for babies: HealthyChildren.org

12/05/2025

Full December SNAP benefits will be issued as normally scheduled.

At this time, IDHS is not implementing new federal changes to SNAP eligibility for noncitizens – which were part of Trump’s budget bill. The current federal guidance does not provide enough clarity or direction to start the changes that were supposed to begin on December 1, 2025, at the time of re-determinations.

Illinois has also joined a group of other states suing to stop any changes to noncitizen eligibility for SNAP.

IDHS will continue to provide updates on: snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov

12/05/2025

Full December SNAP benefits will be issued as normally scheduled.

Starting February 1, 2026, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) who do not meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption may only receive benefits for three months during a three-year period. That means individuals not meeting the new federal work requirements or otherwise exempt could lose benefits starting May 1, 2026.

Prior to the Trump Administration's budget bill, ABAWDS were defined as adults ages 18-54 with no "dependent" children under 18 and no disabilities.

But under the new federal guidelines, people in the following categories will also be forced to meet the new work requirements to receive SNAP benefits:

⚫ Veterans
⚫ Individuals who are 55-64 years old
⚫ Homeless individuals
⚫ ABAWDs whose at-home children are 14 years old or older

These changes were originally set to start December 1, 2025, but as of today are set to start February 1, 2026, due to a court order. IDHS has sent initial notices of these federal changes along with a copy of an exemption form, to all current and new ABAWDs.

IDHS will continue to provide updates on: snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov

12/05/2025

📢 Happening tomorrow! CCDPH is providing free flu and COVID-19 shots from 8AM to 4PM at the Robbins Health Center. Walk-ins are welcome and no appointment is needed. Vaccinations are available for everyone 6 months and older, regardless of insurance or immigration status.
📅 Saturday, December 6
⏰ 8 AM – 4 PM
📍 Robbins Health Center
See the full schedule here: bit.ly/saturdayclinics

12/04/2025

BRRRR!!!! It's dangerously cold outside. Be aware of frostbite signs, like redness or pain in any skin area or numbness. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion and confusion. If you know someone experiencing these or other symptoms, seek medical attention.

Find warming centers in Cook County here: https://ow.ly/FU6050XC9hf

12/04/2025

Do you know how to use naloxone to save a life?

Naloxone is a safe, easy-to-use medication that can reverse an overdose.

Learn more and find free naloxone near you: https://ow.ly/7jT750XBV4O

12/03/2025

Family gatherings are a good time to discuss genetics with your family. Your family history of medical illnesses and your DNA can help determine your likelihood of developing certain medical conditions and passing them down to your children.

Learn more about genetics here: CookCountyPublicHealth.org/know-your-genetics/