Chicago Department of Public Health Weekly Media Brief, 10/23/2025

Jump Ahead

• Mpox Update
• Heath Resources for Immigrant Communities
• City College Vaccine Clinics

Chicago Mpox Update

Amid the continuing mpox outbreak in Chicago, CDPH is aggressively expanding its community engagement and vaccination efforts.

Between October 4-11, there were 13 new mpox cases in Chicago. Since June, there have been 133 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.

CDPH staff and volunteers have visited nearly 90 venues such as bars, bookstores, gyms, and community centers, distributing materials with mpox and vaccine information. CDPH is also working with community and healthcare partners to hold mpox vaccination events at various locations throughout the city.

CDPH has also launched a Spanish-language podcast episode focused on mpox awareness. In this episode, Dr. Jorge Cestou, Director of the Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau at CDPH, breaks down how the virus spreads and the symptoms to watch for.

Tune in to learn more about staying safe and informed:

Apple, Spotify, YouTube,

Upcoming vaccination events include:

• Wednesday, Oct. 29 (5:30 7:30 pm): Steamworks, 3246 N. Halsted St.
• Wednesday, Nov. 5 (6 9 pm) and Sunday Nov. 9 (1 4 pm) at Touche Bar, 6412 N. Clark St.

CDPH's Sexual Health Clinics also offer the mpox vaccine.

• Mondays, 9 am 12 pm at Roseland, 200 E. 115th St.
• Tuesdays, 1-4 pm at Austin, 4909 W. Division St.
• Fridays, 1-3:30 pm at Lakeview, 2849 N. Clark St.

For more information visit chicago.gov/mpox.

Health Resources for Immigrant Communities

Immigrants represent over one in five residents in Chicago and continue to power our City's civic, cultural, and economic life. CDPH is partnering with coalitions across the City to mitigate harms, strengthen resource navigation, and protect access to care for all Chicagoans, including our immigrant communities.

There are several options for low-barrier health services for Chicagoans who have lost their health benefits and/or health care:

• CDPH Health Clinics: Open to all, with no insurance or immigration status required. Services include mental health care, screenings, vaccines, sexual health services, and referrals. To find a location, visit City of Chicago :: Clinical Services.
• Crisis Support - 988 Lifeline: A free, confidential mental health crisis counseling line available 24/7 in multiple languages. Residents can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): These clinics provide low-cost or free primary and mental health care regardless of immigration status, with costs based on income. For more information, visit iphca.org/health-center-locator.
• Free & Charitable Clinics: Offering free medical, dental, and medication services to everyone, regardless of status. To find a clinic, visit illinoisfreeclinics.org/clinic-search.
• Call 2-1-1 Metro Chicago Provides navigation to non-emergency health and social services, 24/7 for free. For more information, visit Home New - 2-1-1 Metro Chicago.
• ICIRR Family Support Hotline: Provides immigrant-specific guidance and "Know Your Rights" information. Residents can call their Family Support Hotline at (855) 435-7693 for assistance with healthcare, legal services, and other community resources for immigrant families.

Upcoming City College Vaccine Events

CDPH held its first fall City College family vaccination clinic last Saturday at Kennedy-King College. CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige received her Flu and Covid vaccinations and CDPH Medical Director Dr. Alex Sloboda shared information and tips for staying safe this fall flu season.

Our next event is this Saturday, October 25 at Arturo Velasquez College (2800 S. Western Ave.) from 9 am to 1 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!

Spanish-language radio station WRLL will be broadcasting live on-site.

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!

###