Philadelphia authorities have expanded eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccines by adding people ages 65-74 to Phase 1B of vaccine distribution in the city, which is currently underway. The announcement was made earlier today and this change is effective immediately. Before this change, only Philly residents age 75 and older were eligible for the vaccines under the current phase, besides some groups of essential workers, people with chronic health conditions and people living and working in congregate settings.

The recommendation to expand vaccine eligibility criteria to people over 65 was made by the Philadelphia Vaccine Advisory Committee to bring it into line with other counties in Pennsylvania where this group was added to the priority Phase 1A last month. The expansion of vaccine eligibility criteria in Philadelphia is now also possible thanks to a considerable increase in COVID vaccine supplies and in the number of vaccinations, after the FEMA-operated mass vaccination site opened at the Convention Center. Philadelphia is now vaccinating over 12,000 people daily.

Just a reminder that residents are invited to pre-register for a COVID vaccine on the city’s Vaccine Interest website by completing a short form (it is now available in several languages). Those without internet access or who have trouble completing the form can call 311. Residents ages 65+ can also check with their local pharmacy, such as Rite Aid, Walgreens, ShopRite, ACME, or independent pharmacies, for vaccine availability.