Starting today, the city’s Department of Public Health began posting links on their website where residents can schedule a COVID vaccine appointment without an invitation at the FEMA-run mass vaccination clinics in Center City and North Philadelphia and at city-run neighborhood vaccination clinics, including the clinic located at the University of the Sciences in West Philadelphia.

To make a vaccine appointment, go here.

As was reported last week, FEMA-run mass vaccination clinics also began accepting walk-ups in addition to those people who had been invited to schedule an appointment after filling out the COVID Vaccine Interest form online or by calling 311. These options are also still available.

The City of Philadelphia has recently expanded COVID vaccine eligibility to all residents over the age of 16, so anyone within this age group can now sign up for an appointment or just walk in.

The annual West Philly Porchfest, which was cancelled last year due to the COVID pandemic, is set to return in June!

Flyers in different colors have been posted around the neighborhood announcing that it will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021 from 12 to 6 p.m.

The outdoor DIY music festival, which was first held in West Philly in 2016, gives an opportunity to local musicians to play and to West Philly residents and guests to enjoy free shows in various music genres. The Porchfest’s motto is that anyone can perform or host a show.

Folks who are interested in hosting a show on their porch can sign up here. The organizers have also created a Facebook group where porch hosts can connect with musicians looking for porches to perform on. Continue Reading

The city has expanded COVID vaccine eligibility to all adults (age 16 and older) today, which is three days earlier than the previously announced date (April 19). Public Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley made the announcement this afternoon and the new eligibility is effective immediately.

Multiple vaccination sites around the city have reported appointment vacancies, according to Farley. People over the age of 65 are still strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as one of the most vulnerable groups. Continue Reading

Philadelphia has extended its agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to continue the operation of the mass COVID vaccine clinic at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (1101 Arch St.) until May 25. The clinic has again begun administering first doses of the Pfizer vaccine this week after completing the administration of second doses over the past three weeks to those who received their first doses last month.

On Wednesday, the FEMA-run Center City clinic began accepting walk-ups.

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Many small local businesses have been hit very hard by the pandemic, but they’re holding on and some even have some exciting news to share with the community:

Lil Pop Shop Partners with Weckerly’s Ice Cream

From left to right: Weckerly’s owners Andy Satinsky and Jen Weckerle, and Lil Pop Shop owner Jeanne Chang (Photo by Megan Kelly).

West Philly’s Lil Pop Shop and Fishtown’s Weckerly’s Ice Cream, have recently announced a new partnership. Starting this Friday, April 16, Lil Pop Shop customers will be able to enjoy a variety of scoops and other ice cream treats from Weckerly’s. Over in Fishtown, Weckerly’s flagship shop (9 W. Girard Ave.) will offer a selection of Lil Pop Shop’s small-batch fruit and cream based-pops. Continue Reading

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has paused distribution of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine following the recommendations by the CDC and US Food and Drug Administration after reports of rare blood clotting disorder in six recipients of the shot.

Starting today, the FEMA-run Center City vaccination clinic has again started administering first doses of the Pfizer vaccine instead of the previously planned J & J vaccinations. This clinic will continue with the Pfizer vaccine for the foreseeable future and will maintain the current 6,000 appointments and walk-ups per day, according to an announcement by the Health Department. UPDATE: The site will continue operating until May 26. Continue Reading