PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia is expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility again on Monday. Four groups of workers will be added to the list of those who can get the vaccine in the city.
People who work in sanitation, maintenance jobs, utilities, the postal service and package delivery can get in line for shots beginning Monday. The city says this is a move from Phase 1b to Phase 1c, but it’s only part of those occupational groups listed in the 1c priority group.
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Other essential workers -- including people who work in higher education, finance, construction, telecoms, IT, the legal system and public health, as well as airport, rail, taxi and ride-hailing service workers -- still have to wait until later in April.
Groups in phases 1a and 1b are still eligible and are encouraged to continue seeking out vaccination opportunities. The health department is also keeping a focus on anyone over age 65, to secure vaccinations for the most vulnerable people as COVID-19 transmissions surge again.
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All this is in preparation for opening the vaccine to all adults on May 1.
A health department spokesman says the vaccine supply and the city’s ability to administer it continues to grow. Last week, 120,000 people were vaccinated in the city — the highest rate yet. The hope is to be giving 150,000 shots by the end of the month.