Vax | mask | test: COVID-19 info, resources

Alicia Colombo

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, family, loved ones and the community, according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH).

Among the three COVID-19 vaccines used in the United States, Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna are preferred. In some situations, Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine may be given. COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are free to everyone living in the United States. If you have health insurance, vaccine providers may bill your insurance, but you can’t be charged any money for the vaccination.

You should speak with your health care provider to discuss whether the vaccine and/or booster shots are recommended for you. The timing and guidelines for vaccine and boosters vary based on the type of vaccine, the person’s age and chronic health conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an online guide to staying up-to-date on your vaccines at cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Vaccination, boated or boosted at a City Health Center in Philadelphia. Registered patients make an appointment at the times and locations below. If you are not a regular health center patient, you can get your vaccine during walk-in hours at the annex locations listed. For information or to make an appointment, call 215-685-2933.

Philadelphia’s City Health Centers:

• Health Center 2: 1700 S. Broad St., Unit 201 | Appointments: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Health Center 4: 4400 Haverford Ave. | Appointments: Mondays and Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Health Center 9: 131 E. Chelten Ave. | Appointments: Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Strawberry Mansion Health Center: 2840 West Dauphin St. | Appointments: Mondays and Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Health Center 3 Annex: 4219 Chester Ave. | Walk-ins: Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Berks Street Annex: 2001 W. Berks St. | Walk-ins: Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Health Center 6 Annex: 301 W. Girard Ave. | Walk-ins: Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Health Center 10 Annex: 2230 Cottman Ave. | Walk-ins: Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There are many other vaccine distribution locations, including pharmacies, clinics and health care providers that are not
affiliated with PDPH. To locate additional vaccination sites, go to vaccines.gov.

At-home vaccination program
PDPH provides free in-home COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots to anyone, 12 and older, who has had trouble getting the shot because of disability, health issues, transportation access or other barriers. Caregivers and family members in the same home are also eligible for in-home vaccination. For information or to schedule an appointment, go to bit.ly/homeboundvaccinephl or call 215-685-5488 (press 5 for interpretation services). Dial 711 for TRS/TTY assistance.

COVID-19 testing
Philadelphia’s Resource Hubs distribute at-home test kits and provide other resources. See below for locations and hours of operation.

• Southwest Philadelphia: Bethany Baptist Church | 5747 Warrington Ave. | Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• North Philadelphia: Mi Salud Wellness Center |200 E. Wyoming Ave. | Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Tuesdays, 12-8 p.m. | Wednesdays and Fridays, 7 am. to 2 p.m.
• Shoppes at LaSalle | 5301 Chew Ave. | Mondays through Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• South Philadelphia: Mt. Enon Church | 500 Snyder Ave. | Weekdays, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Whitman Plaza | 330 Oregon Ave. | Sundays through Fridays, 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Mobile Testing Units: A schedule of testing events that are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. throughout the City is available at phila.gov.

In-Home COVID Support Program
Did you test positive for COVID-19? Or, have you been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19? Bounce Back Philly can provide up to 10 days of at-home support services, including delivery of groceries and essential items; a care package with personal protective equipment and educational materials; connection to utility, housing and mental health support resources. For information, call 215-685-5488, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ask for the In-Home Support Program.

Knowledge is power: Stay informed about COVID-19

• Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline: Open 24/7 at 1-800-722-7112 (press 9 for language interpretation) – Speak with a medical professional about COVID-19 symptoms, exposure, vaccine, tests
• Text COVIDPHL to 888-777 to receive COVID-19 updates on your phone
• PDPH COVID-19 webpage: phila.gov/COVID