Chicago Department of Public Health 2026: Services, Phone & Records
If you are searching for the Chicago Department of Public Health, CDPH Chicago, Chicago public health department, or Chicago health department phone number, you probably need the right office for vaccines, STI testing, mental health centers, medical records, immunization records, food inspections, restaurant complaints, FOIA records, lead prevention, WIC, community health data, or birth and death certificate guidance.
This plain-English guide is written for Chicago residents, seniors, parents, caregivers, students, restaurant owners, workers, travelers, patients, and families. It is not the official City of Chicago website; it helps you choose the right official route before you call, visit, pay, request records, or submit private information.
Quick answer: what Chicago Department of Public Health helps with in 2026
The Chicago Department of Public Health, often called CDPH, provides public health guidance, clinical services, disease prevention, immunization clinics, STI services, behavioral health support, food protection, lead prevention, health data, emergency preparedness, community health planning, and public health records routes for the City of Chicago.
| What you need | Best route | Phone / contact | Prepare first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Department of Public Health phone number | CDPH main contact page | 312-747-9884 • healthychicago@cityofchicago.org | Your topic, Chicago address if relevant, callback number, and program name if known. |
| Birth certificate or death certificate in Chicago | Cook County Clerk / Cook County vital records | Cook County Clerk route, not usually CDPH | Confirm the event happened in Chicago or Cook County; prepare ID, relationship proof, payment, and record details. |
| CDPH medical records | How to Obtain a CDPH Medical Record | Use official medical record request instructions | Clinic/service location, dates of service, name, DOB, ID, contact info, and authorization form if required. |
| Chicago immunization records | CDPH Immunization Program, I-CARE, or IDPH Vax Verify | CDPH Immunization Program: 312-746-6129 | Name, date of birth, phone/email used with provider, vaccine provider, school records, and ID. |
| CDPH immunization clinic | CDPH Immunization Clinics / GetVaxChi | Use official clinic pages and appointment/walk-in guidance | Age, vaccine needed, insurance if any, prior vaccine record, school deadline, and appointment question. |
| STI testing, HIV testing, sexual health services | CDPH Sexual Health Services | Use official STI clinic page for location and scheduling details | Symptoms, exposure date, partner notice concern, prior test date, ID if required, and preferred clinic. |
| Mental health center | CDPH Mental Health Centers | Central referral/center route listed by CDPH | Your ZIP code, insurance if any, current symptoms, urgent safety risk, and preferred language. |
| Food inspection results | Chicago Health Inspection Search | Food Protection: 312-746-8030 | Restaurant name, address, license number if known, inspection date if known. |
| Restaurant or food safety complaint | Food Protection / 311 route | 312-746-8030 or 311 | Business name, full address, date/time, food item, symptoms, receipt, photos, and order details. |
| Public Health FOIA records | File a Public Health FOIA Request | cdphfoia@cityofchicago.org | Specific record type, date range, program, location, subject, and preferred format. |
“CDPH records” can mean very different things. Birth and death certificates usually route to Cook County Clerk or Illinois vital records, immunization records may route to I-CARE or Vax Verify, medical records route to the CDPH clinic record process, and public agency records route to FOIA.
Chicago CDPH route finder: choose the right office before calling or submitting forms
Use this quick router for common searches like Chicago department of public health phone number, Chicago health department records, CDPH immunization records, CDPH food inspection, Chicago STI clinic, mental health centers, and public health FOIA request.
Chicago public health task router
Select your need. The safest next step appears below.
Chicago Department of Public Health phone number, email, address and call script
The main CDPH phone number is 312-747-9884. General inquiries can be sent to healthychicago@cityofchicago.org. Food Protection contact information lists 333 S State St, Room 200, Chicago, IL 60604, and Food Protection phone 312-746-8030.
Chicago Department of Public Health
Main phone: 312-747-9884
General email: healthychicago@cityofchicago.org
Media email: media.cdph@cityofchicago.org
311 and 211 routing
Use 311 for many City of Chicago service requests. Use 211 Metro Chicago for social service referrals, behavioral health support, housing resources, food support, and local help navigation.
Open 311Use a short call script
Say: “I need help with [vaccines, immunization records, STI clinic, mental health center, food inspection, restaurant complaint, medical records, FOIA, lead prevention, WIC, or health data]. My Chicago address or ZIP code is [ZIP/address if relevant]. Which official page, phone number, or clinic should I use?”
CDPH programs do not all use the same location, hours, or walk-in rules. Vaccine clinics, STI clinics, mental health centers, medical records, food protection, and FOIA requests can each have different instructions.
Chicago Department of Public Health records: birth, death, medical, immunization, health data and FOIA
When people search “Chicago Department of Public Health records,” they may mean five different record types. Use the correct route before paying fees, mailing ID, or uploading documents.
Birth and death certificates
Chicago birth and death certificates are usually handled through the Cook County Clerk, not a general CDPH medical-record route.
Vital routeCDPH medical records
Use the CDPH medical record request process when you received services from CDPH and need your clinical record.
Medical routeImmunization records
Use CDPH Immunization Program, I-CARE, Illinois Vax Verify, school/provider records, or clinic records depending on the record source.
Shot record routeDo not enter private ID, Social Security numbers, medical details, or payment card information into unofficial pages. Start from City of Chicago, Cook County Clerk, Illinois Department of Public Health, or CDPH official pages.
Chicago birth certificate and death certificate: Cook County Clerk route, not general CDPH
For a birth or death that occurred in Chicago or suburban Cook County, the Cook County Clerk keeps official records. CDPH is useful for public health services, but certified birth and death certificate requests usually route through the County Clerk or state vital records, not CDPH clinic records.
| Record need | Best route | Prepare first | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago birth certificate | Cook County Clerk birth certificate service | Full name, date of birth, place of birth, parent names, valid ID, eligibility proof, payment. | Using CDPH medical records when the official certificate is needed. |
| Chicago death certificate | Cook County Clerk death certificate service | Decedent name, date of death, place of death, relationship or financial interest proof, ID, payment. | Ordering the wrong document for estate, insurance, bank, or legal use. |
| Illinois statewide vital record | Illinois Department of Public Health Vital Records | Event state, date, county, ID, application, payment, and whether a county route is faster. | Requesting from Cook County when the event occurred outside Cook County. |
| Genealogy or older record | Cook County Clerk / state archive route depending on date and record type | Names, date range, location, family details, and whether certified or informational record is needed. | Paying for certified copies when only research information is needed. |
Chicago is inside Cook County, but not every Cook County record is a CDPH record. If the goal is a legal birth or death certificate, start with Cook County Clerk or Illinois vital records.
How to obtain a CDPH medical record
Use the CDPH medical record route when you received services from a Chicago Department of Public Health clinic or program and need your own patient record. This is different from a birth certificate, death certificate, FOIA request, or general health data request.
Confirm the record is actually a CDPH medical record
Ask whether your visit was with CDPH, a hospital, a private clinic, a federally qualified health center, Cook County Health, a school, or another provider. CDPH cannot provide medical records it does not hold.
Prepare the request details
Have the patient’s name, date of birth, clinic or program, approximate service dates, contact information, ID, and signed authorization when required. For a child or another adult, be ready to prove legal authority to request the record.
If you only need immunization records, try the immunization record route first. If you need STI clinic records, mental health records, or other sensitive records, follow the official CDPH medical record instructions carefully.
Chicago immunization records, I-CARE, CDPH vaccine records and Illinois Vax Verify
Chicago immunization records can come from several places: your doctor, school record, CDPH clinic record, Illinois I-CARE registry, or Illinois Vax Verify. The best route depends on where the vaccine was given and whether the record was entered into the state registry.
| Need | Best route | Phone / link | Prepare first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check I-CARE state immunization registry | CDPH Immunization Program request route | 312-746-6129 | Name, DOB, phone/email used with provider, provider name, vaccine dates if known. |
| Download Illinois vaccine history | IDPH Vax Verify portal | Use official Illinois portal | Identity verification information and matching personal details. |
| School or child vaccine record | School, pediatrician, CDPH clinic if given there, or Vax Verify | Depends on where the vaccine was provided | School deadline, child’s full name, DOB, prior shot record, parent/guardian details. |
| CDPH clinic medical record | CDPH medical record request route | Official CDPH medical record page | Clinic location, date of service, ID, signed authorization if needed. |
Vax Verify and I-CARE can fail to find a record if your name, date of birth, address, phone, email, or provider-submitted details do not match. Keep old paper records, school records, pharmacy records, and provider records when possible.
CDPH immunization clinics, GetVaxChi, children’s vaccines and respiratory virus vaccines
CDPH immunization clinic information is published through the City of Chicago vaccine pages and GetVaxChi. CDPH clinic availability can change by season, vaccine supply, age group, school deadlines, and public health guidance.
CDPH Immunization Clinics
Use official clinic pages for walk-in and appointment guidance, ages served, vaccine type, and clinic availability.
Open clinicsAppointment and clinic portal
Use GetVaxChi for current clinic listings and scheduling routes when available.
Open GetVaxChiWhat to bring
Bring prior vaccine record, child’s school form if needed, insurance if any, ID if available, and parent/guardian details for minors.
For children’s vaccines, school forms, and catch-up shots, bring the prior immunization record. For respiratory virus vaccines, check current age and eligibility guidance before visiting.
Chicago CDPH STI clinic, HIV testing, sexual health services and partner services
CDPH Sexual Health Services provides STI specialty clinic information, HIV/STI testing and treatment routes, partner services, and sexual health support. Scheduling, hours, clinic location, and walk-in rules can change, so check the official page before going.
| Need | Best route | Prepare first |
|---|---|---|
| STI testing or treatment | CDPH Sexual Health Services | Symptoms, exposure date, prior test date, current medicines, pregnancy status if relevant, and preferred clinic. |
| HIV testing or follow-up | CDPH sexual health / HIV service route | Last test date, exposure concern, medication history, and contact information for results. |
| Partner notification help | CDPH Sexual Health Partner Services | Partner contact information if available and details about possible exposure. |
| Emergency or assault-related care | Emergency medical care or crisis route first | Use emergency services for immediate danger, severe symptoms, assault, or urgent medical needs. |
If you have severe pain, trouble breathing, symptoms after assault, suicidal thoughts, signs of overdose, severe allergic reaction, or another emergency, call 911 or seek emergency care. Do not wait for a clinic appointment.
Chicago CDPH mental health centers, telepsychiatry and crisis resources
CDPH Mental Health Centers provide behavioral health care access for Chicago residents. The official page lists center information and telepsychiatry services. For immediate crisis or danger, use crisis or emergency resources first.
CDPH care route
Use the official mental health center page to find clinic locations, service details, and contact instructions.
Open centers988 and emergency help
For suicidal thoughts, mental health crisis, or immediate danger, use 988, 911, or the official crisis resource page.
Open crisis resourcesSocial service connection
211 Metro Chicago can help connect residents with mental health, housing, food, and community resources.
Open 211If there is immediate danger, call 911. If you or someone else may be suicidal or in emotional crisis, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Chicago CDPH Food Protection: food safety, inspections, licenses and food service sanitation certificates
The CDPH Food Protection Division handles food safety inspections, food establishment concerns, food service sanitation certificate information, food license requirements, foodborne illness concerns, and restaurant inspection reports in Chicago.
CDPH Food Protection Division
Phone: 312-746-8030
Address: 2133 W. Lexington, Chicago, IL 60612
Food inspection contact: 333 S State St, Room 200
Restaurant inspection reports
Use the official health inspection search to look up Chicago food inspection results by establishment details.
Open inspection searchFood license requirements
Use the official license requirement page and CDPH Food Protection contact before opening or changing a food business.
Open license infoBefore signing a lease, buying equipment, or opening a restaurant, food truck, shared kitchen, pop-up, or packaged food operation, confirm the required Chicago license, sanitation certificate, zoning/business license route, and CDPH inspection expectations.
Report a Chicago restaurant complaint, food poisoning concern or food safety issue
A useful food complaint includes the business name, full address, date, time, food item, symptoms, receipt, photos, delivery app order number, and product label if packaged food was involved. CDPH Food Protection and 311 may be used depending on the complaint type.
| Collect this | Example | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Business name and full address | Restaurant, grocery, food truck, delivery kitchen, event vendor, school cafeteria. | Inspectors need the exact location and jurisdiction. |
| Date and time | When you ate, ordered, bought food, or saw the issue. | Helps connect the complaint to a shift, batch, event, or delivery. |
| Food item or hazard | Undercooked food, pests, no handwashing, spoiled food, sewage, illness symptoms. | Gives staff a focused starting point. |
| Symptoms and timing | What symptoms occurred, when they started, who else got sick. | Important for foodborne illness investigation. |
| Proof if available | Receipt, photos, order number, packaging, label, lot number, delivery app screenshot. | Supports the complaint and reduces confusion. |
For severe dehydration, bloody diarrhea, high fever, illness in an infant, older adult, pregnant person, immunocompromised person, or emergency symptoms, seek medical care. Do not wait for an online complaint response.
Chicago CDPH lead poisoning prevention, home concerns and childhood testing
CDPH Lead Poisoning Prevention helps Chicago families understand lead risk, childhood lead testing, home hazards, and prevention. Older housing, peeling paint, renovation dust, and certain imported products can increase lead exposure risk.
CDPH lead program
Use CDPH lead prevention guidance for children, homes, inspections, blood lead testing, and prevention education.
Open lead/home healthWhat to collect
Child’s age, address, home age if known, peeling paint photos, landlord contact, renovation history, blood lead test result, and clinic/provider information.
Keep photos, dates, blood test paperwork, landlord repair requests, and any inspection or 311 numbers. Details make lead and healthy-home concerns easier to route.
Chicago public health data, reports, community dashboards and data request form
CDPH publishes health data, reports, dashboards, surveillance updates, community health information, and Healthy Chicago planning resources. Use the data route when you need aggregate public health data, not personal medical records.
CDPH Health Data and Reports
Use this route for public health reports, community data, respiratory virus surveillance, Healthy Chicago indicators, and public health datasets.
Open health dataData Request and Feedback Form
Use this form for health data requests or feedback when the public data page does not answer your question.
Open data formHealth data requests are for aggregate data or public health information. They are not the right route for a birth certificate, death certificate, immunization record, STI record, mental health record, or your personal CDPH medical chart.
Chicago Public Health FOIA request: records, logs, email and request tips
Use Public Health FOIA when you need existing public records maintained by the Chicago Department of Public Health. FOIA is not the same as a medical record request, vaccine record request, vital certificate request, or general question.
| FOIA need | Best route | Prepare first |
|---|---|---|
| CDPH public records | File a Public Health FOIA Request | Record type, program, date range, subject, names, location, and preferred format. |
| FOIA email route | cdphfoia@cityofchicago.org | Short, specific written request with your contact details. |
| Public Health FOIA request log | FOIA Request Log – Public Health | Search existing request logs before filing a duplicate request. |
| Personal medical record | CDPH medical record process | Do not use FOIA as the first route for your own patient chart. |
A strong FOIA request is narrow: “restaurant inspection records for [business name/address] from [date range]” is clearer than “send all public health records.” Narrow requests are easier to process and less likely to need clarification.
WIC, community health centers, 211 Metro Chicago and social service help
Some users searching for the Chicago Department of Public Health need food support, maternal and child health services, WIC, community clinics, housing help, behavioral health support, or social service referrals rather than a CDPH office desk.
Chicago WIC clinics
Use the official City of Chicago WIC clinic route to find location, eligibility and appointment details.
Open clinical servicesFind a community health center
Use CDPH clinical services links or community health center resources if you need ongoing primary care.
Open health servicesSocial service referral
Call or visit 211 Metro Chicago when the need is food, shelter, housing, mental health, substance use, benefits or social support.
Open 211Chicago Department of Public Health map and before-you-visit warning
Food inspection and CDPH contact listings commonly show 333 S State St, Room 200, Chicago, IL 60604. CDPH programs also operate through different clinics, centers, and program offices. Do not drive to a downtown address before confirming the correct location and service route.
| Need | Better first step |
|---|---|
| General CDPH question | Call 312-747-9884 or email healthychicago@cityofchicago.org. |
| Food inspection or licensing question | Call Food Protection at 312-746-8030 or use the official health inspection site. |
| Vaccine clinic | Use CDPH Immunization Clinics or GetVaxChi to confirm clinic location and availability. |
| STI clinic | Use the Sexual Health Services page for location, hours and scheduling. |
| Medical records | Use the CDPH medical record request instructions before visiting. |
| Birth or death certificate | Use Cook County Clerk or Illinois vital records, not a CDPH office visit. |
CDPH service locations, clinic hours, appointment rules, and public counter access can change. Always check the official program page before traveling, especially for vaccines, STI services, mental health centers, medical records, food protection, and FOIA records.
Official Chicago public health links used in this guide
Use these official pages for final phone numbers, clinic hours, forms, fees, eligibility rules, record requests, inspection results and submissions. This independent guide does not collect records, issue certificates, schedule clinics, inspect restaurants, process FOIA requests, or replace official Chicago.gov pages.
People also search for: Chicago Department of Public Health Google and Bing intent guide
These Google Suggest and Bing-style search intents are covered naturally so Chicago users can find the right official route without bouncing between thin pages or unrelated California CDPH results.
Chicago Department of Public Health phone number
Main CDPH phone is 312-747-9884. Food Protection is 312-746-8030.
Phone routeChicago Department of Public Health birth certificate
Use Cook County Clerk birth certificate service for births in Chicago and suburban Cook County.
Birth routeChicago Department of Public Health death certificate
Use Cook County Clerk death certificate service or Illinois vital records depending on event location.
Death routeCDPH immunization records Chicago
Use CDPH Immunization Program at 312-746-6129, I-CARE, Vax Verify, or provider/school records.
Shot record routeCDPH immunization clinic Chicago
Use CDPH Immunization Clinics or GetVaxChi for clinic location, appointment and eligibility details.
Vaccine routeChicago Department of Public Health STI clinic
Use CDPH Sexual Health Services for STI testing, HIV testing, treatment and partner services.
STI routeChicago restaurant inspection results
Use the official Chicago Health Inspection Search for restaurant inspection reports.
Inspection routeChicago Department of Public Health mental health centers
Use CDPH Mental Health Centers and crisis resources when urgent support is needed.
Mental health routeSafety, privacy and independent guide notice
HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide. It is not the official City of Chicago website, not the Chicago Department of Public Health, not Cook County Clerk, not Illinois Department of Public Health, and not 311 or 211.
Do not send birth certificates, death certificates, driver licenses, Social Security numbers, medical records, STI results, vaccine records, FOIA documents, food complaint evidence, or payment details to an independent guide page. Use official Chicago.gov, Cook County, Illinois Department of Public Health, 311, 211, or official portal pages for final submission.
Phone numbers, clinic hours, fees, forms, appointment rules, vaccine availability, record procedures, inspection contacts, and FOIA instructions can change. Confirm final details on the official page before calling, visiting, mailing, paying, or uploading documents.
Chicago Department of Public Health FAQs
What is the Chicago Department of Public Health phone number?
The main Chicago Department of Public Health phone number is 312-747-9884. General inquiries can be sent to healthychicago@cityofchicago.org. Food Protection can be reached at 312-746-8030.
Where is the Chicago Department of Public Health located?
CDPH contact and health inspection listings commonly show 333 S State St, Room 200, Chicago, IL 60604. Food Protection also lists 2133 W. Lexington, Chicago, IL 60612. Check the specific program page before visiting because clinics and services may be in different locations.
Does CDPH issue Chicago birth certificates?
Usually no. For births that occur in Chicago and suburban Cook County, use the Cook County Clerk birth certificate route. Illinois Department of Public Health also provides statewide vital records guidance.
Does CDPH issue Chicago death certificates?
Usually no. For deaths that occur in Chicago and suburban Cook County, use the Cook County Clerk death certificate route. Confirm eligibility, ID rules, fees, and whether the death occurred in Cook County before ordering.
How do I get a CDPH medical record?
Use the official How to Obtain a CDPH Medical Record page. Prepare patient name, date of birth, service location, service dates, contact information, ID, and signed authorization when required.
How do I get Chicago immunization records?
Check your provider, school, pharmacy, CDPH clinic record, Illinois Vax Verify, and the I-CARE registry route. CDPH says the Immunization Program can be called at 312-746-6129 to submit a request to check the I-CARE state immunization registry.
How do I find a CDPH vaccine clinic?
Use the CDPH Immunization Clinics page or GetVaxChi. Bring a prior vaccine record, school form if needed, insurance if any, ID if available, and parent or guardian details for minors.
How do I find a Chicago STI clinic?
Use the official CDPH Sexual Health Services page for STI specialty clinic information, HIV/STI testing and treatment, partner services, and clinic instructions. Check scheduling and walk-in rules before going.
How do I report a restaurant complaint in Chicago?
Use CDPH Food Protection, Chicago 311, or the official food inspection feedback route. Prepare the business name, full address, date and time, food item or hazard, symptoms if illness occurred, and proof such as receipt, photos or order number.
How do I look up Chicago restaurant inspection results?
Use the official Chicago Health Inspection Search. You can search food establishment inspection information by establishment details such as name or address.
How do I file a Public Health FOIA request in Chicago?
Use the official File a Public Health FOIA Request page or the City of Chicago FOIA portal. For Public Health FOIA requests, the city also lists cdphfoia@cityofchicago.org. Make the request specific with program, date range, record type and subject.
Is HealthDepartmentGuide.org the official Chicago Department of Public Health website?
No. HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide. It does not issue certificates, schedule clinic visits, process FOIA requests, inspect restaurants, collect payments, or replace Chicago.gov, Cook County Clerk, IDPH, 311, or 211.