Pa. Convention Center extending hours to administer vaccine set to expire Thursday
PHILADELPHIA - Thousands of vaccine doses are set to expire Thursday at the FEMA mass vaccination site at the Pennsylvania Convention Center after a drop in demand, according to the health department.
Philadelphia Department of Public Health spokesperson James Garrow tells FOX 29 in a statement, thousnads of doses will expire if they are not used by Thursday, April 29.
The Pennsylvania Convention vaccination center is extending its hours until 8 p.m. Wednesday to give out the vaccine. So far, FEMA and the health department have redistributed and administered more than 2,700 of the doses.
If you’ve been on the fence, the city says now is the time to step up and get your vaccine.
"If you haven’t gotten vaccinated, it has never been easier to protect yourself. If you have been vaccinated, it has never been easier to show your loved ones how important they are to you by bringing them to get vaccinated," Garrow said.
Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley on Wednesday said the city will distribute some of the expiring doses to healthcare providers around the city.
"I'm not convinced we're going to be able to use all [the doses], we're going to move them around to other providers," Farley told Good Day Philadelphia.
No appointment, ID, or insurance is need for vaccination at the convention center. There are many transportation options available to meet the needs of residents traveling to the site, including SEPTA. Free passes are available for people to return home.
"if you come to get vaccine you’re in and out in well under 30 minutes," FEMA spokesperson Charlie Elison said.
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