Support Services

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Updated: 1/11/21

The safety of our Les Turner ALS family, especially those living with ALS, is our top priority through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccination Information & Resources

Should I Get Vaccinated?

Our Lois Insolia ALS Clinic at Northwestern Medicine recommends all people living with ALS and their caregivers receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have any questions, please consult your physician.

Vaccine Resources for the ALS Community:

• MDA COVID-19 Resource Center
• ALS Association’s Information About COVID-19 Vaccines for People with ALS
• IL Department of Health Frequently Asked Questions COVID-19 Vaccines
• Northwestern Medicine COVID-19 Resource Center

How and Where to Get Vaccinated

Together with other advocates, the Les Turner ALS Foundation and the Les Turner Center at Northwestern Medicine have been advocating at the county, state and national level to expedite the availability of COVID-19 vaccines for people living with ALS. Allocation of the vaccine is being done in phases as determined by protocols outlined by state officials at the Illinois Department of Public Health and federal officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

High risk individuals are listed in Phase 1C. The CDC guidelines do not mention ALS or neuromuscular disease as high-risk medical conditions as they apply to the distribution of vaccinations in this initial three-part phase, but we have requested all relevant national, state and country agencies to add people with ALS and their caregivers to Phase 1C.

On January 6, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that the state was lowering the age to 65 of those eligible to get vaccinated in Phase 1B.

What Can You Do Now?

We encourage you to learn more about vaccine distribution in your local area and to sign-up for any notifications systems or updates for your local county health department. Where applicable, we suggest you state that you are living with ALS, or are a caregiver for someone living with ALS.

Cook County Health Department and COVID Vaccination Survey for Suburban Healthcare/Essential Workers and Residents

(Note that Cook County Health Department does not include: Chicago, Evanston, Skokie, Stickney and Oak Park, who have their own state-certified health departments)

• Chicago Department of Public Health
• Evanston Health and Human Services Department and COVID-19 Vaccination Interest Form
• Skokie Department of Health and Human Services
• Stickney Township Public Health District
• Oak Park Department of Public Health

DeKalb County Health Department and COVID-19 Vaccine Notification for Individuals

DuPage County Health Department

Kane County Health Department Vaccine Notification System

Lake County Health Department

McHenry County Department of Health

Will County COVID-19 Vaccine Survey

Please note that during the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic all Les Turner ALS Foundation support service coordinator visits and programs, and all support groups are being conducted virtually. We have expanded our online education offerings to provide additional information and resources for individuals and families.

As always, we will remain a phone call away and will continue to provide personalized support services via teleconference and phone calls to ensure people living with ALS and their families continue to receive all the help they need. We will provide an update when we are able to resume in-person home visits and support groups.