A lot of people took a deep breath when they heard the vaccine was arriving. The problem is, getting it is hard, seemingly impossible. And then, there’s the matter of trust.
Communities of color have been skeptical of the vaccine since the early trials. People of color, especially Black people, have been through years of mistreatment from the medical system due to systemic racism.
But as Philadelphia moves forward with the vaccination process, there are inklings of change. Some are putting their skepticism aside. Abbotsford Clinic Nurse Practitioner Tarik Khan says they are vaccinating every day, but also focusing on outreach in the communities.
“People are stepping up and saying,” Khan says, “I was skeptical. But I’m seeing the people are not getting sick from the vaccine. I’m seeing that people are feeling more confident about protecting your family, because they’ve gotten the vaccine. ’
Skeptical or not, if you want to get vaccinated, the first thing you need to know is how to request a vaccine appointment. The city of Philadelphia offers an appointment request link on their website. But as there is a digital divide with some older residents, and no internet access for others the city has created a way to register by phone. And it’s as easy as dialing three numbers.
“Individuals who do not have access to the internet can call Philly 311, by dialing 3-1-1 or calling the Department of Public Health’s COVID Call Center at 215-685-5488 for help completing the COVID-19 Vaccine Interest Form,” Deputy Communication Officer for the Mayor Lauren Cox explained in an email.
Although Philadelphia has administered more than 200,000 vaccine doses, the number of cases and deaths are still rising. According to the Black Doctor’s Consortium, 20 Philadelphia neighborhoods have reported the highest incidence of COVID-19 disease and death during the pandemic. These include Mt. Airy, Hunting Park, West Oak Lane and Germantown.
So, where can you get vaccinated in Germantown? According to the city’s list of authorized locations; including pharmacies, public health centers and hospitals, there are five locations in the Germantown Area. In addition to these locations, there are the following.
- Family Practice and Counseling Network (Abbottsford Falls Clinic) | 4700 Wissahickon Ave, 19144 | 215- 843-9720
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health (Health Center 9) |131 E.Chelten Ave, 19144 | 215-685-5701
- Covenant House Inc. | 251 E.Bringhurst St, 19144 |215- 951-5411
- Rite Aid | 6201 Germantown Ave, 19144 | 215-713-2695
- Oak Street Health (Germantown) | 220 W. Chelten Ave, 19144 | 215-360-3041
Lastly, if you’re interested in requesting a vaccine appointment, be sure to check which phase you belong to. For example, 1b vaccinations at Rite Aid and the Abbotsford Clinic’s are only for seniors 75-years-old and up, while the City includes several other categories.
For more information about the city’s phases for eligibility, visit their website.
For more information about private organization phases for eligibility visit the Abbotsford website and the Rite Aid website.
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