PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — In line with the rest of the region, Philadelphia has opened COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all 16 and older, effective immediately.
The city had scheduled to expand eligibility on Monday, but in response to vaccine partners saying they’re having trouble filling appointments, the city moved the expansion to Friday.
“This week, we heard from an increasing number of hospitals and pharmacies and our own mass vaccination sites that they’re having difficulty filling the vaccination slots,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Tom Farley at his Friday coronavirus briefing. “We don’t want the vaccination slots to go unused, so we are expanding eligibility for vaccination to all adults.”
Specifically, everyone 16 and older are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, while the Moderna vaccine is 18 and older.
Philadelphia’s vaccine allocation comes directly from the federal government and is separate from the rest of the state.
Pennsylvania expanded eligibility to everyone 16 and older on Tuesday.
Walk-up appointments are still being accepted at the Pennsylvania Convention Center FEMA vaccination site from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ID is required to show you are a city resident.
Dr. Farley stresses Philadelphians over the age of 65 are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.