BLOG: Blackhawks 'Join the Team' to Encourage COVID-19 Vaccination

The Blackhawks are joining pro sports teams from across city in the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)'s "Join the Team" marketing campaign encouraging residents to get their COVID-19 vaccine.

"One of the most exciting parts about our city beginning to reopen is being able to safely bring sports fans back into the stands to cheer on our teams," said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. "This campaign will not only encourage even more of our residents to get their vaccine, but also bring us closer together as one home team as we continue our fight against COVID-19. It is my hope and expectation that our residents, especially those who love sports, take this as their sign to get vaccinated so we can all get back to beloved Chicago pastimes."
The campaign centers around the influence of sports teams, their players and mascots to unify people across the city and join the growing number of Chicagoans who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
"Chicago's sports franchises are such a big part of our city's identity, and they give us all a sense of pride," said CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. "We're so proud to have support from all eight teams to help educate residents about the COVID-19 vaccine and encourage them to take their shot."
"The Chicago Blackhawks have been proud to come together with our fellow sports teams to offer our platform for important health and safety messages since the beginning of the pandemic," Blackhawks Chairman
Rocky Wirtz
said in the announcement. "As part of the United Center Joint Venture, we currently share our home with the mass vaccination site on our campus and see thousands of individuals each day who are doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. We encourage our fans to 'Join the Team' and follow the vaccination guidance provided by public health officials to get us back to living, working and playing together."

Kicking off today, this campaign will utilize digital and out-of-home billboards around Chicago, social media channels and additional supporting elements to share information about COVID-19 vaccines and connect residents to locations where they are available.
Getting vaccinated helps reduce the spread of the disease and protects Chicagoans from getting seriously sick with COVID-19 -- and protects their families, friends, and community. The recent expansion of the vaccine eligibility for youth age 12 to 15 means families can again safely create memories at sporting events. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and is available at locations across the city. Find vaccines at
ZocDoc.com/vaccine
or by calling 312-746-4835.
Vaccinations are offered at no cost. City-operated vaccination sites offering Pfizer are available to individuals 12 and older -- with or without an appointment. For the latest information on Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine strategy, visit
www.chicago.gov/covidvax
.