UPDATE: You can find the latest information on the Center City Vaccination Center at https://www.phila.gov/ccvc.

On March 2nd, the City of Philadelphia, in partnership with FEMA, launched the largest COVID-19 vaccination site in southeastern Pennsylvania. Capable of vaccinating up to 6,000 Philadelphians every day, this site quickly established itself as a model of efficiency and safety, and was able to vaccinate more than 100,000 Philadelphians in the first few weeks. The clinic was divided into three distinct phases: three weeks of first doses, three weeks of second doses, and two weeks of single-doses.

First doses

The plan for the Center City Vaccination Center was that they would provide first doses of Pfizer vaccine for three weeks. After two weeks, the City and FEMA changed their model to ensure that Philadelphians who live in zip codes with the lowest vaccination rates can get equitable access. This walk-up model significantly improved racial equity in vaccine administration over the first two weeks of the clinic.

Second doses

After three weeks of providing first doses to 121,703 Philadelphia residents, the CCVC switched operations to begin giving these folks their second doses and getting them fully vaccinated.

Problem Appointments

While the Health Department was planning for the switchover, it was discovered that a number of people had signed up for appointments to get their first dose on days that were only supposed to be for people to get their second dose. While the City wants everyone to be vaccinated, this clinic can only handle people who are there for second doses. 

The Health Department went through and canceled more than 11,000 of these invalid appointments and has worked to remind folks that if they didn’t get a first dose of vaccine there they should not show up at the Convention Center. This should no longer be a problem as there are no more first doses being given at the Center City Vaccination Center.

Anyone that got their first dose of vaccine at the Center City Vaccination Center should show up on the day of their appointment. If they are unsure about when their appointment is, they should bring the vaccine card they got during their first visit and they’ll be let in to get a second dose.

Single doses

After everyone who is eligible gets their second doses, the Center City Vaccination Center will reconfigure again to provide the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Stay tuned and be sure to sign up on the City’s VaccineInterest form to be ready for when appointments are available.

Transportation information

Getting to the Center City Vaccination Center

There are many transportation options available to meet the needs of residents traveling to the Center City Vaccination Center. The Pennsylvania Convention Center is accessible using SEPTA public transit and Customized Community Transportation (CCT) services, rideshare, taxi, or personal vehicle. Parking facilities are available to accommodate personal vehicles and loading zones have been created for drop-offs and pick-ups at the entrance and exit. 

The entrance to the Center City Vaccination Center is at the northeast corner of 12th and Arch Streets. Individuals with appointments should use 100 N. 12th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 as the GPS address. After being vaccinated, individuals will exit at the northwest corner of 11th and Arch Streets. 

SEPTA Public Transportation Options

The Pennsylvania Convention Center is a block away from SEPTA’s Jefferson Station which is serviced by eleven Regional Rail lines, the Market-Frankford line and bus routes: 17, 23, 33, 38, 44, 47, 47M, 48, 61, and 62. Individuals are highly encouraged to use public transit resources to get to and from their appointments at the Center City Vaccination Center. 

SEPTA continues to promote safe and healthy travel during the pandemic. Masks are required, and employee-ambassadors will reinforce this mandate and give out free masks as part of the Mask Force Philly program. More information on SEPTA service and COVID-19 can be found at septa.org/covid-19.

Seniors Ride Free on Transit

Adults age 65 and older can ride free at all times on SEPTA buses, trackless trolleys, trolleys, Broad Street and Market Frankford lines, and Regional Rail. 

Seniors may ride free by using one of the following:

  • PA Driver’s License (with magnetic stripe only, issued before July 2017)
  • PA Non-Driver Identification Card (with magnetic stripe only, issued before July 2017)
  • Senior Ride Free Key card

To register for a Senior Ride Free Key card, SEPTA is offering same day service by appointment only at SEPTA Headquarters (1234 Market St., Concourse Level, Philadelphia PA 19107). To make an appointment, call 215-580-7145 and press #6. Call center hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. At your appointment, you will need to provide an ID that verifies your date-of-birth. 

Reduced Transit Fare for People with Disabilities Under Age 65 

Individuals under age 65 with a qualifying disability can ride at half-fare at all times on SEPTA buses, trackless trolleys, trolleys, Broad Street and Market Frankford lines, and Regional Rail.  Registration information below. 

To register, SEPTA is offering same day service by appointment only at SEPTA Headquarters (1234 Market St., Concourse Level, Philadelphia, PA 19107). To make an appointment, call 215-580-7145 and press #6. Call center hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Eligibility criteria and application information can be found here. 

SEPTA CCT Connect Service 

SEPTA Customized Community Connect (CCT) is available to seniors and individuals with disabilities and/or access and functional needs that are registered with SEPTA CCT. 

SEPTA will be on-site at the Center City Vaccination Center seven days a week to make CCT reservations for second dose vaccination appointments. The representative will also be available to provide information and answer questions about other SEPTA services, including the Senior Ride Free Key card and the Reduced Transit Fare card for People with Disabilities. 

ADA Pick-Up and Drop-Off

A designated drop-off point with ADA accessibility will be located on the south side of the 100-200 block of N. 12th Street, between Arch and Race Streets.

A designated pick-up point with ADA accessibility will be located on the northeast corner of 1100 Arch Street, between 11th and 12th Streets.

Taxi, Rideshare, and Privately Owned Vehicles

Designated drop-off points for rideshare, taxi, and privately owned vehicles will be located on the northside of 100 N. 12th Street, between Arch and Race Streets. 

Designated pick-up points for rideshare, taxi, and privately owned vehicles will be located on the 0-100 block of N. 11th Street, between Market and Arch Streets.

Parking Information

There are nearly 30 private parking garages and lots within five blocks of the PCC and the clinic entrance—totalling over 10,000 parking spaces. The PCC website lists various options, and there are several parking apps that can help locate available parking resources. The following parking garages are offering discounted rates for 2-hour parking. Rates must be validated by showing the vaccination card given to individuals after receiving their vaccine.    

  • The Autopark at the Fashion District

45 N. 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

$5 for 2-hour parking

  • Parkway Broad and Race Garage

150 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

$10 for 2-hour parking 

  • Parkway 12th & Filbert Garage

1201 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

$10 for 2-hour parking

Additionally, from Wednesday, March 3 to Thursday, April 1, the Philadelphia Parking Authority will provide complimentary parking between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. at its three SEPTA regional rail lots referenced below.

  •  Fern Rock Rail Station Lot

10th & Nedro Streets

  •  Fox Chase Rail Station Lot

500 Rhawn Street

  • Torresdale Rail Station Lot

4900 Grant Avenue

Register your interest to receive COVID vaccine here