COVID-19 Vaccine in Philadelphia: All residents 16 and older are now eligible for an injection

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

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

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

RELATED: Hundreds of Walk-Up Slots Available at the COVID-19 Vaccine Site in Philadelphia

Farley stressed that Philadelphians over 65 are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Appointments are currently open and walk-ups are available at both FEMA locations in Philadelphia.

The Center City vaccination center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the community vaccination center in Esperanza is open all weekend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In response to the FDA and CDC having “paused” administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, the FEMA sites will be administering the Pfizer vaccine.

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