Vaccinations

Costs and Insurance Coverage

USHIP, Federal insurance programs, fully-insured plans subject to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and state-regulated insurance programs will cover COVID-19 shots. Most private insurers have also indicated their intention to continue covering the COVID-19 vaccine.

If you purchase alternative coverage that is not ACA compliant, your insurance may not cover the cost of the vaccines.  It is always best tp confirm with your insurance carrier first to see if there are any of pocket expenses.

Pharmacies

You can search and schedule an available COVID-19 vaccine through one of the following links:

• CVS 
• Walgreens
• Jewel Osco
• City of Chicago Vaccination Sites
• Vaccines.gov

If your local pharmacy does not have COVID-19 vaccines available, you can check several other options including your Local Health Department (LHD), community health centers, clinics, and other authorized vaccination sites. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) maintains a vaccine locator tool on its website, to assist families with locating vaccines for children eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and for uninsured and underinsured adults.

Other Disease Mitigation Methods

• Wear a well-fitting mask or respirator to reduce inhalation and spread of virus particles.

• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water; use alcohol-based sanitizer if unavailable.

• Minimize close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when ill and maintain distance from others.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, not your hands.

• If sick, consider wearing a surgical mask around others.

Guidance for Students Who Test Positive for COVID-19

Testing positive for COVID-19 can feel stressful, but the University of Chicago is here to support you. The following information is based on current CDC guidance (as of Aug. 18, 2025) and will help you understand what to do and what resources are available. 

If You Test Positive or Feel Sick

• Stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after your symptoms are improving and you have been fever-free without medication.

• If you never develop symptoms, take extra precautions for the next several days to reduce the chance of spreading illness.

• After you return to campus activities, continue added precautions for 5 days, such as wearing a high-quality mask, improving ventilation, keeping distance, and considering testing before close contact with others.

Masking

• A well-fitting mask or respirator (such as an N95 or KN95) helps reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.

• Masks are especially important in crowded indoor spaces, during travel, or if you are recovering from illness.

When to Seek Medical Care

Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Trouble speaking

• Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure

• Confusion

• Sudden or severe pain

• Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea

Medical and Mental Health Support

If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening condition, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. If possible, call ahead and let them know you have tested positive for COVID-19. The University of Chicago Medicine Emergency Department is located at 5656 South Maryland Avenue, 773-702-6250.

For non-emergency medical concerns, UChicago Student Wellness staff are available to discuss symptoms and provide guidance. On-campus physicians and clinicians can meet with you virtually or in person, free of charge. Call 773-834-9355 to schedule an appointment or get medical advice. A nurse is also available 24/7 for any questions or concerns.

Telehealth options:

• Students on U-SHIP can access a doctor 24/7 at no cost via telehealth4students.com or by calling 855-866-0895.

• Students not on U-SHIP may also use this service, though you may wish to contact your insurance provider, as many plans cover low- or no-cost telemedicine visits.

Mental health support:

• Call 773-702-3625 for the Therapist-on-Call, available 24/7.

• Let’s Talk offers free, informal, confidential consultations with therapists—no appointment needed.

• Additional support spaces, groups, and workshops are available for a variety of mental health needs.

• To schedule an initial appointment with a clinician or for general inquiries, call 773-834-9355.

• Visit wellness.uchicago.edu for updated information on programs, including mindfulness, wellness coaching, and more.

We encourage you to reach out if you have questions, concerns, or need medical or mental health support. Student Wellness is here to support you.