Keeping Kids Healthy: Families Reminded to Keep Up Good Hygiene Habits, Childhood Vaccinations and Examinations

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CHICAGO - As the fall season approaches, health officials at Chicago Public Schools (CPS) remind families that keeping kids healthy is one of the most effective ways to support student success in school. This effort includes important steps at home, where small and consistent habits can have a big impact on the spread of illnesses, including regular hand washing, keeping children home when they are not feeling well, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and through medical visits to stay up to date on routine childhood vaccinations, physical examinations, eye examinations, and dental examinations.

"Keeping our children safe and healthy is a crucial responsibility for both families and the community," said CPS CEO/Superintendent Dr. Macquline King. "Our District staff are working to eliminate barriers to health services, ensuring students have access to the resources they need to succeed academically and in life."

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommend children get back on track with recommended and school-required vaccinations to protect them from a variety of vaccine-preventable diseases. Evidence shows that healthy students have better attendance patterns and perform better academically.

The State of Illinois requires parents/guardians to provide proof of required immunizations and school physical exams by October 15, 2026 to avoid the risk of exclusion from school. The full list of required and recommended vaccines, along with health resources, can be found in the 2026-2027 Student Health and School Forms Booklet . [ English | Spanish ] or summarized in our Minimum Health Requirements form [ English | Spanish ]

"We understand that many families are still getting settled into the new school year and juggling a long to-do list," said Ken Papineau, Director of the Office of Student Health and Wellness at CPS. "Keeping students current on their health requirements, including vaccinations and exams, is vital for their success in school. These steps promote a healthy environment, allowing everyone to focus on learning."

In addition to school-specific vaccination events that are hosted by partner organizations, there are school-based and community-based clinic locations across the District to support students' health and well being.
Health insurance can provide children and their families with health care coverage that can be used for doctor visits, immunizations, medications, dental care, eye exams, glasses, and more. Medicaid Insurance provides coverage for children in Illinois.

IMPORTANT RESOURCES

Finding Immunization Records

The Illinois Department of Public Health provides the IDPH Vax Verify portal (also known as Illinois Resident Immunization Portal) for immunization record(s). Legal guardians of children under the age of 18 can add the child/student to their Vax Verify profile.

Support with Public Benefits

The CPS Children and Family Benefits Unit (CFBU) connects CPS families to free or low-cost health insurance (Medicaid) and to food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In addition to providing application and redetermination assistance, CFBU also provides parent-focused education to help families maintain and understand how to use their public benefits.

For more information, families can contact their Network's Children and Family Benefits Coordinator or call the Healthy CPS Hotline at 773-553-KIDS (5437).

Find a Health Center

Use the Find a Health Center map to find a Federally Qualified Health Center or a CPS School Based Health Center. Health centers can provide families with comprehensive, high-quality primary health care services, along with supportive services, such as transportation, that promote access to health care. Federally Qualified Health Centers provide services regardless of a patient's ability to pay and may charge for services on a sliding fee scale.

Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) immunization clinics provide vaccinations for children through age 18 at no out-of-pocket cost. CDPH serves uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid insured, and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) individuals. Registration is highly encouraged. Families can create an account and register for an appointment at getvaxchi.chicago.gov or by calling the clinic.

Upcoming Health Clinics
Families can get school physicals, age-recommended vaccines and blood lead testing at Saturday School Health Clinics on seven City Colleges of Chicago campuses this fall. The clinics are sponsored by the CDPH, CPS, and Molina Healthcare of Illinois, with Prism Health's licensed bilingual mobile clinic teams on site. The clinics, which launched Oct. 3, serve children and young adults through age 21; anyone under 18 must come with a parent or guardian, or have consent on file.

Register at prism.org/ccc or 800-325-1812; walk-ins are welcome. Families with insurance should bring their insurance card; covered services may be billed to their health plan with no surprise costs. Families without insurance pay based on what they can afford, and no one is turned away if they cannot pay. Services are offered in English and Spanish.
All clinics run 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 10: Olive-Harvey College, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave.
Saturday, Oct. 24: Arturo Velasquez Institute, 2800 S. Western Ave.
Saturday, Nov. 7: Wilbur Wright College, 4300 N. Narragansett Ave.
Saturday, Nov. 14: Harry S Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave.
Saturday, Nov. 21: Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
Saturday, Dec. 5: Richard J. Daley College, 7500 S. Pulaski Rd.
Saturday, Dec. 12: Kennedy-King College, 6301 S. Halsted St.
Saturday, Dec. 19: Harry S Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave.
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