This marks the sixth permanent mass vaccine clinic as part of the city’s plan to make the COVID-19 vaccine as accessible as possible in traditionally served neighborhoods.
The Philadelphia Department of Health has engaged in city-run clinics that can vaccinate up to 500 people a day.
The Athletic Association’s website started only for programming, but officials later said it would be open and available for walks.
The FEMA-run Pennsylvania Convention Center site ceases availability on Monday night as the site begins the second dose stage. Officials on the site urge people to try a walking meeting until 20:00, restrictions apply.
After Monday, there will be no more appointments, but Farley says that, depending on the supply, changes can be made.
“In response to the extraordinary amount of traffic we had, just yesterday we exceeded our number of 6,000 (per day) by almost 1,400 additional doses,” said FEMA spokesman Charlie Elison. “To bridge the digital divide, the city has come up with a plan to ensure open access and walk-ups.”
Many elderly citizens addressed by News News 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 Jacqueline Martin of Pennsport. “Everything was efficient. The city called me and asked if I had a way to get here. They said I could send a bus, pick me up and take me back home.”
Farley added the importance of smaller sites.
“In general, these sites run by the Department of Health represent a fairly small percentage of the vaccinations that have taken place. The biggest providers are our hospitals and our City Center vaccination center and pharmacies,” Farley said. “However, these neighborhood clinics reach a significant population and may not reach these sites.”
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