This is the sixth permanent mass vaccination clinic as part of the city’s plan to make the COVID-19 vaccine as accessible as possible in traditionally deprived neighborhoods.
The Philadelphia Health Department is committed to city-run clinics that can vaccinate up to 500 people a day.
The Athletic Association site started out as an appointment, but officials later said it will be open and available for walk-ups.
The Pennsylvania Convention Center site, run by FEMA, is ending availability Monday night as the site begins its second dose. Officials at the site are urging people to book an appointment until 8pm, restrictions apply.
There will be no walk-up appointments after Monday, but Farley says changes can be made depending on the offer.
“In response to the massive amount of on-board traffic we had, we exceeded our number of 6,000 (per day) yesterday with nearly 1,400 additional doses,” said FEMA spokesperson Charlie Elison. “To narrow the digital divide, the city came up with a plan to guarantee open access and walk-ups.”
Many seniors with whom Action News spoke on Monday said they were grateful for a local site because it was too difficult for them to get to the Convention Center.
“It was easy,” said Pennsport’s Jacqueline Martin. ‘Everything was efficient. The city called me and asked if I had a way to get here. They said they could send a bus to pick me up and take me home. ”
Farley added the importance of the smaller sites.
“Overall, these sites operated by the health department represent a fairly small percentage of vaccinations that have taken place. The largest providers are hospitals and our vaccination center and pharmacies center,” said Farley. “However, these neighborhood clinics do reach a population that is important, and that may not be able to reach those locations.”
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