COVID-19 Vaccine & Information

South Shore Hospital is dedicated to protecting patients and staff from COVID-19, and we take cases, vaccines, and treatment seriously. We follow the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) infection control guidelines to keep everyone in our hospital safe.

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, all staff have been vaccinated, visitors must wear disposable medical masks (such as a surgical, KN95, or N95 mask) upon entry, and we are limiting the number of visitors to one at this time. We are also testing new patients for COVID-19 and isolating those who test positive to keep our staff and patients healthy.

Prevention is as important as treatment. Because COVID-19 vaccines and boosters drastically reduce your chances of serious illness and hospitalization from COVID-19, we recommend getting your COVID-19 vaccine series and following up with a booster to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your community safe.

Experienced Doctors

Complete primary care services, from routine check-ups and preventive care at five affiliated neighborhood clinics and affiliated physicians.

Friendly Staff

Excellent and personable physicians, nurses, and professional staff. Transportation Services for seniors and disabled patients at affiliated clinics and the hospital.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

Many patients have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. At South Shore Hospital, we are dedicated to making you feel comfortable and confident getting vaccinated against COVID-19.


COVID-19 and South Shore Hospital FAQ

Three COVID-19 vaccines are authorized for use in the United States — Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.

The technology behind these vaccines is not new. In fact, researchers were studying the technology before the vaccines were released in 2021. Researchers began studying mRNA vaccines in 2003 and then again in 2014 with other respiratory illnesses similar to COVID-19.

The CDC recommends that everyone ages 5 and up get a COVID-19 vaccine, including those who have already had COVID-19. Adults ages 18 and up can get any of the vaccines. Currently, only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is available for children and adolescents ages 5 through 17.

The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines require two shots and Johnson & Johnson requires one shot.

Everyone ages 12 years and older should get a booster shot at least five months after completing the first two-dose series. Shots are free and available regardless of immigration or insurance status.

To see the CDC’s most up-to-date booster recommendations, see the CDC’s helpful chart.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine reduces your risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Booster shots provide additional protection as immunity decreases over time. Additionally, boosters may increase protection against new variants (versions of the same virus that have changed over time).

Many Chicago businesses require COVID-19 vaccinations to protect the public. As of January 3, 2022, you must show proof of vaccination to enter any establishment that sells food or drink. This is good news — it will keep you safer and more able to enjoy your normal activities if you and everyone around you are vaccinated.

Making your appointment for your COVID-19 vaccine or booster is easy. Use our online appointment tool or call 773-413-9160. The appointment line is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you call outside of these hours, you can leave a voice message, and we will return your call.

In the 1990s, scientists began working on the technology that helped them rapidly develop the COVID-19 vaccines. This means that while these vaccines were available quickly, they were made with technology that was already being developed.

Just like all other vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccines went through three phases of clinical trials to ensure they are safe and effective.

These trials involved tens of thousands of volunteers of different ages, races, and ethnicities. The trials compared outcomes between those who were vaccinated and those who were not.
During clinical trials, no serious safety issues happened within 8 weeks following vaccination. Because it is rare for adverse side effects to occur after this time period, the vaccines are considered safe.

Because COVID-19 is a common illness, researchers could quickly evaluate the vaccine’s effectiveness.

As with all vaccines, the CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to monitor COVID-19 vaccine safety and report on any adverse effects.

COVID-19 vaccines were highly effective against the original version of the virus. In clinical trials, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was 95% effective and Moderna was 94% effective at preventing COVID-19 illness.
Viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19, constantly change into “variants” (or different versions of the same virus). Fortunately, the vaccines we have continue to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death for most people.

In 2021, unvaccinated Chicagoans were 5 times as likely to be hospitalized and 7 times as likely to die as vaccinated Chicagoans during the Delta variant surge.

The CDC continues to monitor how well the vaccines work against new variants.

South Shore Hospital offers two easy ways to set up your appointment — online or by phone. We offer all three brands of the vaccine currently approved for use in the United States.

Call the South Shore Hospital VAX Center at 773-413-9160 or book your appointment online.

South Shore Hospital offers all three vaccines — Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.

South Shore Hospital treats patients through the Emergency Room and admits patients for care who continue to need additional support.

South Shore Hospital is currently accepting walk-ins and appointments for COVID-19 testing on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Shoreside Professional Building, located at 7906 Crandon Avenue. You can call 773-413-9160 to make an appointment.

Anyone can get tested regardless of symptoms. South Shore Hospital highly recommends testing for those with symptoms or those who have been exposed to the virus. You can check the CDC’s updated list of symptoms for more information. Anyone can get a test, and tests are free regardless of insurance.

South Shore Hospital is committed to protecting our patients and keeping our staff healthy. All South Shore Hospital employees are vaccinated against COVID-19.

All visitors are required to wear disposable medical masks (such as a surgical, KN95, or N95 mask) for the duration of their visit. We are following CDC guidelines such as social distancing, handwashing, and using hand sanitizer.

Learn more about our up-to-date COVID-19 policies.


Keeping You and Your Loved Ones Safe At South Shore Hospital During COVID-19

At South Shore Hospital we prioritize safety among patients and employees. We:

  • Identify and isolate patients with possible COVID-19.
  • Educate and train our staff on COVID-19 safety practices.
  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  • Follow precautions for employees who have traveled to a CDC Warning Level Country or Region (see CDC travel website for up-to-date list).

South Shore Hospital asks patients to take precautions when visiting our facilities:

  • Wear a disposable medical mask before entering our buildings.
  • Limit visitation to the hospital (see up-to-date rules on visitation).
  • If you are ill, call your doctor before coming into the hospital, so we can take proper precautions.

We also encourage our patients to protect themselves from COVID-19 each day:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and use hand sanitizer when soap is not available.
  • Practice social distancing by putting a 6 foot distance between yourself and others.
  • Avoid shaking hands or hugging.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or face — particularly with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
  • Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness.
  • Wear a mask if you have a fever, cough, or respiratory infection.
  • Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces in your home frequently.

Learn More about COVID-19 Vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevent has up-to-date and reputable information on how the vaccines work as well as how they were developed.

Developing COVID-19 Vaccines 

Different COVID-19 Vaccines

Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

Possible Side Effects

Stay Up to Date with Your Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine Safety

Myths and Facts about the COVID-19 Vaccine

Additionally, Chicago has set up an online COVID-19 Response Center to update Chicagoans with the latest COVID-19 news and information.

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