Support Services

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Updated: 7/5/2022

The safety of our Les Turner ALS family, especially those living with ALS, is our top priority through the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Testing for COVID-19

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Visit: COVIDtests.gov

At-⁠home tests are available for sale around the U.S. Check with local retailers and pharmacies to see where at-⁠home tests are available.

Your health insurance company will pay you back for 8 at-⁠home tests per month for each person on the plan.  Please check with your insurance company to learn more.

No-cost antigen and PCR COVID-⁠19 tests are available to everyone in the U.S., including the uninsured, at more than 20,000 sites nationwide.

Vaccination Information 

Eligibility

Anyone 6-months of age and older are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.

Should I Get Vaccinated?

Our Lois Insolia ALS Clinic at Northwestern Medicine recommends all people living with ALS and their caregivers receive the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots. If you have any questions, please consult your physician.

Vaccine Locations in Illinois

We encourage you to learn more about vaccine distribution in your local area and to sign-up for any notifications systems or updates for your local county or health department. Where applicable, we suggest you state that you are living with ALS or are a caregiver for someone living with ALS.

COVID-19 vaccine appointments can be scheduled at any available site. The following sites offer vaccination locations in Illinois.

Government locations: City of Chicago, Cook County, DeKalb County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County, State of Illinois, Will County

(Note that Cook County Health Department does not include: Chicago, Evanston, Skokie, Stickney and Oak Park, who have their own state-certified health departments)

• Chicago COVID-19 Vaccination Finder
• Chicago has partnered with Zocdoc to streamline Chicagoans’ access to COVID-19 vaccines.
• Evanston Health and Human Services Department
• Skokie Department of Health and Human Services
• Stickney Township Public Health District
• Oak Park Department of Public Health

Retailers and other public locations: CVS, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, Kroger, Mariano’s, Meijer, United Center, Walgreens, Walmart. Other helpful resource: VaccineFinder.org

Vaccine Information for Veterans: Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital

Chicago has partnered with Zocdoc to streamline Chicagoans’ access to COVID-19 vaccines. You can visit zocdoc.com/vaccine to confirm eligibility, see nearby vaccination locations, show their real-time appointment availability, and receive notifications when new appointments are available.

Vaccine Locations in Indiana

To register in Indiana, go to the Indiana Department of Public Health website or call 866-211-9966 if you do not have access to a computer or need assistance.

Vaccine Resources for the ALS Community:

• MDA COVID-19 Resource Center
• ALS Association's Information About COVID-19 Vaccines for People with ALS
• Northwestern Medicine COVID-19 vaccine page

Please note that during the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic all Les Turner ALS Foundation support service coordinator visits and programs, and all support groups are being conducted virtually. We have expanded our online education offerings to provide additional information and resources for individuals and families. Visit ALSLearningSeries.org and lesturnerals.org/resources or ALSDecisions.org.

As always, we will remain a phone call away and will continue to provide personalized support services via teleconference and phone calls to ensure people living with ALS and their families continue to receive all the help they need.