Chicago Department of Public Health Weekly Media Brief, 10/16/2025

Kennedy King College Vaccination Event

Don't Miss Out!

CDPH kicks off our fall City College family vaccination clinics this October! Join us Saturday, October 18 at Kennedy-King College (6301 S Halsted St, U Building) from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm for no-cost 2024-2025 COVID-19 and flu vaccines for the whole family. Everyone ages 6 months and over are recommended to get vaccinated!

Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is encouraged. Register on the CDPH GetVaxChi website.

Why get vaccinated now? It's your #1 defense against getting sidelined this season. Whether it's holiday gatherings, football games, or quality time with loved ones, don't let preventable illness keep you from the moments that matter.

Plus, we're offering school-age physicals and pediatric vaccines at all City College locations, so you can check everything off your list in one visit.

See the full calendar of CDPH vaccine clinics to find one near you!

Upcoming Mpox Vaccination Clinics

Amid the continuing mpox outbreak in Chicago, CDPH is aggressively expanding its mpox awareness, community engagement, and vaccination efforts. Between Oct. 8-14, there were 14 new mpox cases in Chicago, one less than in the previous week (Oct. 1-7). Since June, there have been 132 new mpox cases in Chicago.

Nearly all of these cases are among males, and most who have provided their sexual orientation identify as gay or bisexual. Among the cases reported since June, 53 percent have been unvaccinated. CDPH has mobilized with community partners throughout the city to build awareness and host vaccination events, including:

• Wednesday, Oct. 22 (10 am-1 pm): Center on Cottage Grove, 6323 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
• Wednesday, Oct. 22 (5:30-7:30 pm): Steamworks Baths, 3246 N. Halsted St.
• Thursday, Oct. 23 (10 am-1 pm): Center on Cottage Grove
• Thursday, Nov. 13 (11 am-3 pm): National Diabetes Awareness Month Education & Resource Fair, Kennedy-King College, 740 W. 63rd St.

CDPH's Sexual Health Clinics also offer the mpox vaccine. For hours and locations, visit the Sexual Health Services webpage. There is also a Vaccine Finder tool on CDPH's mpox website, Chicago.gov/mpox.

Additional vaccination events are being planned through November. CDPH encourages sexually active gay, bisexual and same-gender-loving men to talk with their healthcare providers about mpox and the mpox vaccine.

Public Health 40 Under 40

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) proudly announces that Assistant Commissioner, Mervin Dino, has been selected for the de Beaumont Foundation's 40 Under 40 in Public Health Class of 2025, which recognizes rising leaders who are working to improve the health of communities across the nation. This year's group features honorees from 22 states, representing diverse backgrounds and roles. All nominees were evaluated by a distinguished panel of public health leaders and the de Beaumont staff on their leadership and contributions to their community's health.

"I am honored to be named to the de Beaumont Foundation's 40 Under 40 in Public Health Class of 2025," said Mervin Dino. "This recognition is not just about me - it reflects the enduring support and trust I have received from colleagues, mentors, community partners, and beyond, whose strength and courage I draw from every day, especially in the most challenging moments for public health."

For details and the full list of honorees, visit www.debeaumont.org/40Under40.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) joins partners citywide in recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence impacts individuals and families in every Chicago community. By raising awareness, believing survivors, and recognizing the signs, we can help break the silence and connect more residents to life-saving support.

Confidential, 24/7 help is available: Call or text the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 877-863-6338 (877-TO END DV) or visit chi.gov/dvhelp.

Healthy Chicago Podcast

In the newest Spanish-language episode of the Healthy Chicago Podcast, we explore how shelter-based healthcare helps break down barriers, improves communication between healthcare providers, the people receiving care, and shelter staff, and offers a more human and dignified approach.

We speak with Lawndale Christian Health Center's Dr. Mary Westerholm, an internal medicine physician and pediatrician, and María Ruiz, the organization's assistant manager. They share how this model of care not only makes accessing the healthcare system easier but also promotes well-being from a perspective were having a place to live is just as important as receiving medical attention.

The English-language episode is the most calming of Healthy Chicago Podcast to date. Join us for a conversation and interactive demo with Healing Arts participating artist, Mecca Perry, aka Mecca of Mecca Elevated.

Healing Arts is a program run by Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and CDPH, in which local artists lead free art-based sessions at the city's mental health clinics. The classes are open to the public and encourage the connection of arts, health, healing, and wellness.

On this episode, Mecca leads a truncated demonstration of one of her soothing sound meditation classes. So, pull out your mat, lay down, close your eyes, and open your ears.

Listen or watch the newest episodes on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and the CDPH website.

###