2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Please note this page is meant to provide general information on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) to families. Below you'll find a list of recommended resources, frequently asked questions and recent news articles related to COVID-19. Because the situation is rapidly evolving, for the most up-to-date information, please continue to refer back to this page or the resources listed below. 


COVID-19 Call Center

For questions related to testing criteria and general information about COVID-19, please contact our COVID-19 Call Center at 312.227.5300. The Call Center is staffed by Lurie Children’s nurses and is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

Lurie Children's is no longer offering Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine appointments. 

COVID-19 Testing

Lurie Children’s has discontinued routine COVID-19 testing prior to procedures. Because of the decline in demand for testing, the COVID-19 testing drive-thru site at Clark/Deming location is now closed.

Find Other Testing Options

COVID-19 Updates for Families

In-Person Clinic Visits 

Your child's health is critical. Please keep all milestone and vaccination appointments or any other scheduled appointments that will keep your child well and healthy, and begin to reschedule those that have been postponed. Lurie Children's is an environment where your family’s safety and health is our priority. 

The following measures are in place at our main hospital as well as our outpatient centers to ensure your safety: 

  • All patients, staff and visitors are required to wear a mask, which will be provided to you
  • All patients, staff and visitors are screened for COVID-19 symptoms 
  • Any COVID-19 suspected patient is isolated
  • All emergency room patients are isolated
  • Social distancing is practiced throughout all of our facilities

It is also important to note that there is very minimal spread of COVID-19 amongst children. 

For any questions about an upcoming in-person visit, please contact your physician's office. 

MyChart 

During this time, please remember you can access your medical records online, communicate directly with your healthcare provider, refill a prescription and more using Lurie Children’s MyChart

If you do not have a MyChart account, sign up using the link below. 

SIGN UP FOR MYCHART

Resources & Support

  • Call4Calm – text “TALK” to 552020 or for Spanish text “HABLAR” to 552020
    • The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Mental Health Division has launched a free-of-charge emotional support text line, Call4Calm, for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19.
    • Call4Calm is free to use, and individuals will remain anonymous. Once you send a text to the hotline, a counselor from a local community mental health center will contact you within 24 hours.
    • Individuals can also text 5-5-2-0-2-0, with key words such as “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” and will receive information on how to navigate and access supports and services.
  • For pregnant, postpartum mothers and concerned caregivers: If you are feeling overwhelmed, you can call Northshore's MOMs hotline 866.364.MOMS (866.364.6667) for 24/7 emotional support and referrals to therapy, psychiatry and support groups.
  • NAMI Helpline: If you’re in a mental health crisis, call 1.800.950.6264 or text "NAMI" to 741741.
  • How to Cope with Anxiety Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19): This website suggests ways how to cope with stress during the pandemic. 
  • Free online guided meditation: meditationmuseum.org

Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 Basics

Coronaviruses belong to a family of viruses that most frequently cause a mild illness like the common cold. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new or novel coronavirus that was not previously known to cause illness in people. This new virus was first identified as the cause of the outbreak that began in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019, and has since spread to a growing number of international locations, including the US. From time to time new coronaviruses emerge and have the potential to cause severe disease and global epidemics. For example, the SARS and MERS viruses are both coronaviruses that previously caused outbreaks of severe respiratory illness around the world. We are learning more about COVID-19 every day, and Lurie Children’s is working closely with public health officials to minimize risks to our patients, families and healthcare workers.

Coronaviruses are mostly spread from person-to-person through:

  • Respiratory droplets produced from coughing or sneezing (especially within six feet of another person)
  • Close personal contact such as touching or shaking hands

A person may also get infected by touching a surface with the virus on it, and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes before cleaning their hands. 

COVID-19 Vaccine

Yes. The CDC now reports that individuals can safely receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time of other vaccines. Similarly, if you just received the flu shot in the past few days or plan to soon, you do not need to plan on spacing vaccines out. 

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