The Hook: Getting Vaccinated in Philly
Updated on May 6, 2021 at 10:53 a.m.
We’re breaking down how and where to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Philadelphia for subscribers of The Hook, a newsletter for Fishtown residents.
This information is subject to change, and we’ll do our best to update this page as it does!
Fishtown residents: Do you have more questions about getting a vaccine in the city? Email me at kbrennan@inquirer.com and I’ll try my best to connect you with the answer!
1. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VACCINE IN PHILLY?
3. HOW DO I GET A VACCINE @ A FEMA-RUN MASS VACCINATION CLINIC
4. HOW DO I GET TO THE ESPERANZA MASS VACCINATION CLINIC?
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VACCINE IN PHILLY?
🆕 All residents 16 years and older are eligible to get a vaccine.
Also, veterans, spouses of veterans and caregivers of veterans
These groups can get a COVID-19 vaccine at a Veterans Affairs facility, Military Times reported.
Learn more about the Department of Veterans Affairs vaccine rollout here.
WHERE CAN I GET A VACCINE?
🆕 If you’re 18 years and older, you’re eligible for a walk-up vaccination — no appointment needed — on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following health centers (in order by distance):
- Health Center 5:📍1900 N 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121 (North Philadelphia)
- Health Center 10:📍2230 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19149, east side courtyard entrance (Northeast Philadelphia)
- Health Center 3:📍555 S. 43rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (West Philadelphia)
Vaccine offered: Moderna vaccine
You can also get vaccinated at the following locations:
Through a local vaccine provider
- Primary health care providers
- Retail pharmacies
- Federally qualified health centers
- Community clinics
View the full map here. Email kbrennan@inquirer.com if this map is missing a provider!
Through the FEMA-run Mass Clinic @ Esperanza
Where:📍 4261 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Hours of Operation:
- Monday and Tuesday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Wednesday: 12 p.m.-8 p.m.
- Thursday and Friday: Closed
- Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Vaccine offered: Pfizer vaccine (two doses)
➡️ You’re not limited to getting a vaccine from just one of these locations. Use this vaccine look-up tool from The Philadelphia Inquirer, which will give you a full list of vaccine providers in the city.
HOW DO I GET A VACCINE @ A FEMA-RUN MASS VACCINATION CLINIC?
👟 By walk-up
All Philadelphia residents ages 16 and older can get a walk-up vaccination at the city’s mass vaccination clinics at the Esperanza mass vaccination clinic in Hunting Park.
- Bring proof of city residency (an ID or piece of mail).
The Esperanza clinic is offering walk-ups whenever the clinic is open. More info here.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday and Tuesday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Wednesday: 12 p.m.-8 p.m.
- Thursday and Friday: Closed
- Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Follow the Department of Public Health on Twitter for updates to this.
🗓️ By appointment
🆕 All residents 16 years or older can schedule an appointment to get vaccinated online here.
HOW DO I GET TO THE ESPERANZA MASS VACCINATION CLINIC?
🚶If you’re walking:
The entrance is on the south side of W Bristol St. at 📍4261 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19140.
🚉 If you’re taking public transit:
Take bus routes 47 and 53 to the clinic.
Take the Broad Street Line Local to:
- Hunting Park Station
- Allegheny Station (closest station with wheelchair accessibility)
At the Allegheny Station:
A shuttle bus will take residents from the stop to the clinic every 30 minutes.
The shuttle service will pick you up from the Allegheny stop at Allegheny Ave. between Broad St. and 13th St.
You’ll be dropped off at the clinic at the corner of W Bristol St. and N 3rd St.
When you’re done, the shuttle will pick you up at N 3rd St. and W Hunting Park Ave. and take you back to the Allegheny subway stop.
Residents who are 65 years or older, have a disability or other functional needs can get a free ride to the clinic through SEPTA’s Customized Community Transportation.
- ☎️ Dial 311 to request this service at least 72 hours before your vaccination.
😷Masks are required on public transit!
🚗 If you’re driving:
Enter📍4261 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19140 in your navigation app to get there.
- There are limited, free parking areas.
- Ten ADA parking spaces are available.
QUESTIONS FROM FISHTOWN RESIDENTS & ANSWERS
The Hook is answering COVID-19 vaccine questions from neighbors. Email kbrennan@inquirer.com with your questions and I’ll try my best to connect you with an answer.
Question: Can I bring my child with me to my vaccine appointment? I have an appointment at the Convention Center site and I’d like to know whether my toddler can tag along. (I don’t have childcare at the appointment time.)
— Allie, Fishtown resident
Answer: Yes, you can bring your children with you to the Convention Center’s FEMA-run vaccination clinic, wrote James Garrow, a Philadelphia Department of Public Health spokesperson, in an email on Friday, March 26.
“Children are definitely welcome,” Garrow said. “We know that childcare can be difficult, so we wouldn’t turn anyone away who brought their child. …The Center City Vaccination Center is a very busy place with LOTS of moving parts and activities that require the attention of the adult who is being vaccinated. So, we ask that folks do everything they can to minimize the number of people there but, again, will work with folks who must bring children.”
MORE RESOURCES
- The Riverwards COVID-19 Preparation & Awareness is a Facebook group for Riverwards residents to share COVID-19 information and resources.
- Vaccinate Philadelphia is a Facebook group for folks seeking more help in getting a vaccine.
- Here’s more information about volunteer opportunities at the city’s vaccination clinics.