COVID-19 Vaccine in Philadelphia: All residents over the age of 16 can now receive a shot

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley announced Friday that all residents 16 and older in Philadelphia could receive a COVID-19 vaccine immediately.

The city was initially scheduled to move on to Phase 2 on Monday, April 19th.

Farley said the change comes after several sites reported vacancies. It affects all vaccine providers in the city, including hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, community organizations and FEMA clinics.

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Farley stressed that Philadelphians over the age of 65 are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

There are currently open appointments and consultations available at both FEMA locations in Philadelphia.

The Center City Vaccination Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Esperanza Community Vaccination Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the weekend.

In response to the FDA and CDC “pausing” the administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, FEMA sites will administer the Pfizer vaccine.

The city reported an additional 631 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Friday. The Department of Public Health also confirmed 16 additional fatalities.