The percentages of Chicagoans vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 this winter have been lower than in recent years, according to a report released last week by the city’s Department of Public Health. [Health News Illinois]

Just 23.3 percent of Chicagoans have received a flu shot this season, the lowest rate in the past four years. About 11.8 percent have received COVID-19 vaccines, down 1.4 percent from last year. 

The data, recorded Dec. 28, show vaccine uptake is lower across almost all age groups and is lower or similar across most community areas, compared to last year. 

Influenza vaccination rates are higher in northside communities, while rates on the city’s south and west sides are lower. The department says vaccine uptake has improved in some neighborhoods on the south and west side.

The geographic disparities also exist for COVID-19 vaccination uptake, though the report found less than 10 percent of residents in most neighborhoods across the city have received their shot.

The department said respiratory viral activity is high, causing “high volumes of (emergency department) visits, hospitalizations and (intensive care unit) admissions.”

COVID-19 levels are lower than at this point last year, but emergency department visits and hospitalizations related to the virus have risen in recent weeks.

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