Chicago Department of Public Health Weekly Media Brief, 10/02/2025

Upcoming Mpox Vaccination Clinics

Chicago's recent spike in mpox cases has not abated, though the increase in new cases from August to September was smaller than from July to August.

From June 1-September 30, 2025, 104 cases of mpox have been reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). Those are more cases than were reported over the same time period in 2023 (40) and 2024 (53) combined. Among these 104 cases, three hospitalizations have been reported. The median age of those who have gotten mpox over the past four months is 34. All but one was assigned male at birth.

The data underscores the fact that this is a critical time for the mpox vaccination effort, to keep new cases numbers down and limit the new mpox cases in Chicago.

CDPH is co-sponsoring several mpox vaccination events throughout October, including:

Upcoming Vaccination Clinics (10 am-1 pm):

• Saturday, October 4 (10 am-2 pm): Howard Brown Health, 4025 N. Sheridan Rd.
• October 8, 15, 22 (5:30-7:30 pm): Steamworks Baths, 3246 N. Halsted St.
• Thursday, October 23 (10 am-1 pm): Center on Cottage Grove
• Wednesday, October 22 (10 am-1 pm): Center on Cottage Grove, 6323 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
• Saturday, October 11 (10 am-2 pm): Onyx Medical & Wellness, 2247 E. 73rd St.

Vaccination is especially encouraged for sexually active gay, bisexual, and same-gender-loving men, who have been most affected by this mpox outbreak. The mpox vaccine is also available at the CDPH Sexual Health Clinics in Lakeview, Roseland, and Austin. You can find more information where to get vaccinated with the Mpox Vaccine Finder.

CDPH Endorses 2025-'26 Vaccine Guidance

Earlier this week, the Illinois Department of Public Health released evidence-based COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccine guidance for Illinois residents. CDPH endorses these recommendations and will be providing life-saving vaccines for Chicago residents at no cost through our standing Immunization Clinics, as well as various pop-up vaccination events throughout the City, including one each at all 7 of Chicago's City Colleges.

CDPH currently has updated seasonal flu vaccines for anyone 6 months and older at immunization clinic sites. CDPH recently began COVID-19 vaccinations at immunization clinic sites for everyone 12 years and older. CDPH will soon start vaccinating children 6 months to 11 years old once supply for this age group is available at CDPH Immunization clinics.

For more information on vaccine recommendations, see the IDPH press release on 2025-26 vaccine guidance, as well as the State of Illinois Standing Order on Administering Vaccine. CDPH maintains a public Respiratory Virus dashboardthat summarizes COVID, flu, and RSV activity levels in Chicago on a weekly basis.

Out of the Darkness Walk Recap

On September 27, 2025, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) took part in the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk at Montrose Harbor on the city's North Side. The event welcomed more than 5,000 friends, family members, and supporters who came together to walk in remembrance, hope, and solidarity for those affected by suicide and mental health challenges.

While there, participants could share sentiments on the "Why We Walk" wall and choose from a range of honor beads, with each color representing their personal connection to suicide. CDPH staffed an information table with harm reduction tools, including drug testing strips and Narcan, and educational materials on mental health, substance use, and violence prevention, all aimed at connecting individuals to lifesaving services and local support networks.

Participating in the walk aligns with CDPH's broader Suicide Prevention Initiative, which promotes community awareness and readiness through programs like Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) trainings. If you are in a crisis, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or access more resources at 988lifeline.org.

Healthy Chicago Podcast

September 28 was Penicillin Allergy Awareness Day. The observation marks the date in 1928 that Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin and raises awareness around the impact of carrying a penicillin allergy label and how it may affect a patient's healthcare treatment.

To discuss Penicillin Allergy Awareness Day, Star Cervantes (Antibiotic Stewardship Pharmacist with CDPH) connects with Dr. Ruchi Singla, a board-certified Allergist-Immunologist from the University of Chicago, to discuss allergies, how they can change in individuals over time, and how best to approach antimicrobial stewardship.

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

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