Support Services

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Updated: 4/23/21

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

Eligibility

As of April 19, 2021, those 16-years of age and older are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination in all U.S. states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.

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 Locations in Illinois

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 or health department. Where applicable, we suggest you state that you are living with ALS or are a caregiver for someone living with ALS.

Due to limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine, please schedule an appointment at any available site. The following sites offer vaccination locations in Illinois.

Government locations: City of Chicago, Cook County, DeKalb County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County, State of Illinois, Will County

(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 COVID-19 Vaccination Finder
• Chicago has partnered with Zocdoc to streamline Chicagoans’ access to COVID-19 vaccines.
• Evanston Health and Human Services Department
• Skokie Department of Health and Human Services
• Stickney Township Public Health District
• Oak Park Department of Public Health

Retailers and other public locations: CVS, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, Kroger, Mariano’s, Meijer, United Center, Walgreens, Walmart. Other helpful resource: VaccineFinder.org

Vaccine Information for Veterans: Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital

Chicago has partnered with Zocdoc to streamline Chicagoans’ access to COVID-19 vaccines. You can visit zocdoc.com/vaccine to confirm eligibility, see nearby vaccination locations, show their real-time appointment availability, and receive notifications when new appointments are available.

Vaccine Locations in Indiana

Anyone age 16+ can be vaccinated in Indiana, regardless of residence, following a recent change in eligibility in Indiana. To register in Indiana, go to the Indiana Department of Public Health website or call 866-211-9966 if you do not have access to a computer or need assistance.

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 has invited established patients with high-risk medical conditions, including those living with ALS and other neuromuscular diseases to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination.  To schedule a vaccine appointment, you must have received an invitation by phone, text, or email. Please do not call your physician’s office for vaccine-related appointments. For more information, please visit Northwestern Medicine COVID-19 vaccine page.

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. Visit ALSLearningSeries.org.

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.