CDPH Weekly Media Brief, 09/17/2026

CDPH 2026-27 Vaccine Recommendations

CDPH strongly recommends everyone receives the flu, COVID-19, and RSV immunizations recommended for them. CDPH provides no-cost flu and COVID-19 vaccines for Chicagoans at CDPH Immunization Walk-In clinics and a variety of community vaccination events this fall and winter. Further information can be found on the CDPH immunizations calendar.

CDPH, in alignment with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), is endorsing the evidence-based consolidated respiratory virus immunization recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Flu:

• Annual flu vaccine recommended for everyone 6 months and older, including during pregnancy.

COVID-19:

• Children: Annual updated COVID-19 vaccine for all young children ages 6-23 months and children 2-18 years in certain risk groups or if parent or guardian desires
• Adults: Annual updated COVID-19 vaccine for all adults
• Pregnancy: Annual updated COVID-19 vaccine for all pregnant people, including after delivery or during breastfeeding

RSV:

• Children: All infants <8 months, if no protection from RSV vaccine during pregnancy, and children 8-19 months in certain risk groups
• Pregnancy: One-time RSV vaccine in first eligible pregnancy administered between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy
• Adults: One-time RSV vaccine for adults ages 50-74 at increased risk of severe RSV and all adults age 75+

Lead and Healthy Homes Conference

Thursday is the last day to register for CDPH's Lead and Healthy Homes Conference, Tuesday, Sept. 22 at Malcom X College.

Nearly 300 participants have registered so far, including about 30 contractors and more than a dozen vendors, who will have information and connection to resources for attendees who want to learn more about Lead Poisoning Prevention and Healthy Homes. The daylong event (8 am-4 pm) will bring together partners, providers, community organizations, housing professionals, inspectors, contractors, public health staff, and advocates who share one mission: protecting Chicago families from lead hazards and creating healthier homes for all.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Tour CDPH's Mobile Lead Testing Unit and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital mobile asthma clinic.
• Visit the Vendor and Resource Fair and connect with community organizations, public agencies, healthcare professionals, contractors, and other partners.
• Earn continuing education credit for eligible conference presentations.
• Explore the full process of moving a family from screening and referral through inspection and remediation.
• Experience "From Referral to Remediation: A Day in the Life of the Lead & Healthy Homes Program," in the closing plenary.

For information on CDPH's Lead Poisoning Prevention and Healthy Homes program, visit chicago.gov/lead.

Suicide Prevention Month

Throughout September, CDPH is raising awareness about suicide prevention, the importance of recognizing when someone may be experiencing hopelessness or in crisis, and knowing how to connect them with support.

Through its Suicide Prevention Initiative, CDPH offers free Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) training to help Chicagoans recognize warning signs, respond to someone who may be at risk and connect them with care. Participants who complete the training and required surveys receive a QPR Gatekeeper Certificate.

The next free QPR training will be held September 25 from 11 am-12:30 pm. Register here: QPR Suicide Prevention Training Registration

CDPH will also participate in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk on Saturday, October 3, at Montrose Harbor. The 1annual event brings together individuals, families and organizations to foster connection, honor those affected by suicide and strengthen hope across the community. Check-in begins at 9 am, with the walk beginning at 10:30 am.

If you or someone you know needs crisis support, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988, or visit 988Lifeline.org to chat. Remember, 988 does not replace 911. If there is an immediate or life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Healthy Chicago Podcast

In our latest episode of the Healthy Chicago Podcast, we discuss the baby blues and when symptoms may signal a need for additional support, what postpartum depression and anxiety can look and feel like, and signs that family and friends may easily overlook. The episode also explains postpartum psychosis, how it differs from postpartum depression and anxiety, warning signs that require immediate help, and where new parents and their loved ones can turn for support.

Listen to the podcast on the platform of your choice, or watch the latest episode on the CDPH YouTube channel.

If someone you know is struggling with maternal mental health, help is available:

• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-852-6262
• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988

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