Early this year, CMS leaders met with the owners of the United Center, to evaluate its safety and suitability as a site for mass vaccinations. We recommended utilizing the site to the City based on its proximity to underserved communities and to major transportation.
We are pleased that the United Center has opened under the management of FEMA and the Department of Defense, with members of the National Guard administering vaccines. In addition to working with the United Center, the Chicago Medical Society partnered with local sports teams, athletes and other influencers to encourage vaccination. CMS is grateful to FEMA and DOD for coming in and we’re confident that the mass vaccination project will be successful, given that FEMA and DOD have ample experience planning and moving large groups through a system.