Philadelphia and other cities and states around the country are struggling with inequitable uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine.  In order to ensure that communities of color and those suffering from poverty get access to vaccine in an equitable fashion, extra efforts must be made.

In order to combat this inequity, the City of Philadelphia is allowing people from 22 under-vaccinated zip codes open access for six days at the FEMA-supported Center City Vaccination Center. In addition to Philadelphians who will receive invitations from the City’s Vaccine Interest database, those residents of Philadelphia who meet Phase 1a and 1b eligibility criteria and can prove that they live in the targeted zip codes will have open access to the FEMA-supported Center City Vaccination Center.

When is the open access at the Center City Vaccination Center happening?

Between Wednesday, March 17 and Monday, March 22, 2021. Clinic hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. It is recommended that folks from the targeted zip codes show up before 5:00 p.m. to ensure they can get in.

Limited shuttle service is available, especially for communities that are less transit-accessible. Shuttle services must be coordinated through a central community organization and requested at least three days in advance. The city is reaching out to community organizations with information about how to organize shuttle services. 

Get more information on the Open Access period at the Center City Vaccination Center below.