This marks 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 underserved neighborhoods.
The Philadelphia Department of Health has committed to municipal clinics that can vaccinate up to 500 people a day.
The Athletic Association website started only by appointment, but officials later said it would be open and available for occasional visits.
The Pennsylvania Convention Center website, run by FEMA, is ending availability on Monday night because the site is starting its second dose stage. Local officials are asking people to try to make an appointment without notice until 8 pm, with restrictions.
After Monday, there will be no walking consultations, but Farley says that depending on the offer, changes can be made.
“In response to the huge amount of traffic we had, yesterday we exceeded our number of 6,000 (per day) by almost 1,400 additional doses,” said FEMA spokesman Charlie Elison. “To mitigate the digital divide, the city has developed a plan to guarantee open access and home visits”.
Many seniors with whom Action News spoke on Monday said they are grateful for a local website because it was very difficult for them to reach the Convention Center.
“It was easy,” said Jacqueline Martin of Pennsport. “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 back home.”
Farley added the importance of smaller sites.
“Overall, these sites run by the Department of Health represent a very small percentage of vaccinations that have occurred. The biggest providers are hospitals and our vaccination center and pharmacies in Center City,” said Farley. “However, these neighborhood clinics reach a population that is important and that may not be able to reach these locations.”
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