#United States #Chicago #Saint Anthony Hospital #RSV Immunizations #Vaccines for Children

Saint Anthony Hospital's Commitment to Community Health

As the RSV season approaches, Saint Anthony Hospital is stepping up its efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of the community, particularly children. From October 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027, the hospital will offer free immunizations against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) for qualifying patients under 19 years old, including newborns who are uninsured or underinsured.

Last RSV season marked a significant achievement for the hospital, which ranked first in Chicago for the number of vaccinated newborns, ensuring that over 72% of those eligible received the RSV vaccine through the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC). This remarkable effort aligns with Saint Anthony's commitment to providing medical care that addresses health disparities in underserved communities.

Eligibility and Impact

To qualify for the VFC Program, children must meet one of the following criteria:

• - Be under 19 years of age.
• - Be eligible for Medicaid.
• - Be uninsured.
• - Be American Indian or Alaska Native.
• - Be underinsured.

Dr. Shilpa Singh, Chair of Pediatric Medicine at Saint Anthony Hospital, emphasized the importance of these vaccinations, stating, "Our community is susceptible to RSV because many don't have the means to get the proper vaccines to protect themselves. By offering these immunizations, we can help protect not just the children, but also their families and neighbors from potential outbreaks."

With RSV capable of spreading rapidly, often before symptoms appear, this initiative aims not just to protect individual health but to contribute to wider community immunity. It is especially vital for infants and those with compromised immune systems, who are at greater risk from the virus.

High Standards of Care

Dorval R. Carter Jr., President and CEO of Saint Anthony Hospital, noted, "We are dedicated to providing high-level care to the most vulnerable populations. It’s crucial for us to ensure every eligible child has access to these vaccines at no cost." The hospital operates two locations where families can easily access RSV vaccines:

• - Physician Center Clinic at Saint Anthony Hospital, 2875 W. 19th St.
• - Archer Clinic, 4177 S. Archer Ave.

If you are interested in finding out if your child is eligible for the VFC program or to schedule an appointment for the RSV vaccine, visit www.chicagohan.org/vfc or call 773-484-4030.

About Saint Anthony Hospital

Founded in 1897, Saint Anthony Hospital is a nonprofit facility located on the West and Southwest Sides of Chicago. It has a long-standing tradition of addressing the unique health challenges faced by underserved communities. The hospital not only offers outpatient and rehabilitation services but also conducts community outreach programs and provides free bilingual health education to ensure that healthcare is accessible for all. For more detailed information, visit www.SAHChicago.org.