CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 02: A worker walks through a baggage claim area at a nearly-empty O’Hare International Airport on April 2, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. The airport, which typically serves 8.2 million passengers a month, has closed two of its seven runways as the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reduced air travel. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
United and American Airlines have announced plans to offer vaccinations at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.
United's "point of distribution" site, which will operate out of the airline's current clinic in Terminal 2 on the baggage claim level, will open Thursday for eligible airport employees.
The following groups will be eligible for vaccinations:
- Employees who live or work in the City of Chicago (including ORD) AND
- Are at least 65+ years old OR
- Are flight crew
"Our community – like many across the nation and world – has been devastated by COVID-19," Vice President of United’s Chicago hub Omar Idris wrote in a letter to employees. "And as United continues to play a leadership role in the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, we can see a light at the end of tunnel."
The company said eligible employees will receive an email with instructions on how to register.
American Airlines said it will be provided with a "limited supply" of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for distribution to "team members at ORD." The doses will be administered beginning Thursday in the K19 Former Flagship Lounge in Terminal 3, the airline said.
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"According to CDPH guidance, all ORD-based mainline and regional team members are eligible, but customer-facing employees will receive priority appointments," a notice to employees read. "We encourage you to reserve your spot as soon as possible, as appointments are limited."
Employees are asked to bring a driver's license and American Airlines identification badge, the company said.
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“We’re incredibly proud of the essential work our team members have been doing throughout the pandemic, and we’re thrilled to able to provide COVID-19 vaccination opportunities for our team at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) starting this week," the company said in a statement. "As we continue to work tirelessly to connect team members across our operation with vaccines as soon as possible, we’re grateful to Chicago Mayor Lightfoot and our partners at the Chicago Department of Public Health and Premise Health who’ve helped make this happen for the American Airlines team in Chicago.”
