Every day, we are one step closer to beating COVID-19. Each time someone is vaccinated is a win. The only way we’ll beat this virus is by getting everyone vaccinated. And the Department of Public Health is working hard to make sure that everyone can get access to the vaccine.
Unfortunately, there isn’t enough vaccine for everyone right now, so the Health Department has to prioritize who gets it first. The Philadelphia Vaccine Advisory Committee looked at who was most likely to be exposed, diagnosed, hospitalized, and die from COVID, and prioritized those with highest risk to be the first to get access to the vaccine.
Teachers in childcare settings are high priority. In fact, Philadelphia was one of the first jurisdictions to vaccinate teachers in the region. We’ve done it in a variety of ways.
Philadelphia has engaged in a unique partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to ensure that teachers, school staff, and childcare providers get access to the vaccine. Thanks to that effort, more than 18,000 school personnel and childcare providers will receive their first COVID-19 vaccination by March 14th!
Thanks to a recent announcement by President Biden, there are now even more opportunities for education professionals to be vaccinated. The federal government has announced that it will use its pharmacy program to ensure that teachers can sign up for appointments to be vaccinated.
Every Philadelphian who works in a K-12 school, PreK, Access Center, or licensed childcare facility can set up an appointment to be vaccinated now:
- Childcare and education employers can fill out the Health Department’s workforce planning form. Health department staff will then reach out to match staff with a vaccination partner (for example, the Center City Vaccination Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center, or a hospital).
- Individual childcare and education providers can also fill out the Health Department’s vaccine interest form to be alerted of additional vaccination opportunities.
- Childcare and education providers can also schedule vaccination appointments at pharmacies. Each pharmacy has its own scheduling process. Pharmacies update their information frequently, so check back for updates.
- Childcare and education providers can also go to a walk-in clinic operated by the Black Doctor’s COVID-19 Consortium.
- Finally, childcare and education providers are welcome to set appointments at the vybe clinic at Independence LIVE. Register for an appointment on their website.
COVID-19 Vaccine Town Halls
The City and partners have hosted multiple town halls for childcare staff and educators to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine. You can watch a recent town hall featuring presentations by medical professionals as well as questions from childcare providers and educators.