COVID-19 Vaccine Program
As a COVID-19 vaccination provider, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) provides vaccinations according to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local departments of health. We are following the national vaccine distribution plan, which is occurring in a phased approach. Eligibility varies by state and county of residence. This is an evolving process, and we encourage you to check this page frequently for updates. (Updated: Feb. 26, 2021)
As is the case around the world, vaccine demand is currently greater than supply and will likely remain so for the foreseeable future. CHOP unfortunately cannot guarantee the availability or timing of a vaccination appointment for all eligible individuals who express an interest in participating in our COVID-19 vaccination program. If you have the opportunity to enroll in another vaccination program that may be able to offer immunization before CHOP, we encourage you to do so.
Healthcare Providers
Status
CHOP is vaccinating eligible healthcare providers who are not affiliated with CHOP in accordance with guidance from the CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health. Unpaid caregivers of people with disabilities are eligible under current guidelines.
What You Can Do Now
Learn more about CHOP’s Non-affiliated Healthcare Personnel COVID-19 Vaccination Program.
School Personnel
Status
CHOP is partnering with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) and various Philadelphia school networks to immunize personnel at schools and early childhood education/daycare centers across Philadelphia.
What You Can Do Now
Learn more about CHOP's School Personnel COVID-19 Vaccine Program.
Teens and Young Adults Ages 16-23
Status
Currently, teenagers and young adults (ages 16-23) with certain high-risk medical conditions are eligible for vaccination. CHOP is developing a vaccine distribution plan to ensure that eligible patients have access to the vaccine. By the end of February, CHOP will begin vaccinating eligible patients in this age group as supply allows.
What You Can Do Now
Find out if you or your child are currently eligible for vaccination by reviewing eligibility criteria from your local or state department of health. If you’re uncertain, please consult your medical provider or local health department. Keep in mind that eligibility rules will change over time. We will keep our website as up to date as possible, and we encourage you to check back frequently.
If you or your child are a CHOP patient and currently eligible, please wait to hear from us. You won’t need to call us – we'll reach out as soon as we have supply available with instructions on how to schedule your appointment for vaccination. If you are not a current CHOP patient but are eligible and interested in being vaccinated at CHOP, please complete this pre-enrollment survey.
Children Under 16
Status
Currently, no COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use in children under the age of 16.
What You Can Do Now
Hear Dr. Paul Offit, Director of the Vaccine Education Center, explain why currently authorized vaccines are not approved for young children.
Visit CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center for more detailed information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including recommendations for pregnant or nursing moms.
Adults Ages 24 and Up
Status
As a pediatric healthcare institution, CHOP is focusing our patient vaccination program on adolescents and young adults who are best served by a pediatric institution.
What You Can Do Now
If you are 24 or older and are currently eligible, consult your medical provider or local department of health for guidance on finding an appropriate COVID-19 vaccination location.
What we can all do now to prevent the transmission of COVID-19
Whether you are eligible for the vaccine at this time or not, continue to follow the CDC’s recommended public health guidelines to help prevent transmission of COVID-19.
These guidelines include:
- Wear a mask when outside of your home or interacting with individuals outside your immediate household.
- Maintain physical distancing (6 feet away) from people outside of your immediate household and avoid crowds.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
Get more tips on how to keep your family safe.
More information about COVID-19 vaccines
FAQs about CHOP’s vaccine distribution plans (eligibility, CHOP vaccine clinics, safety and more)
FAQs about COVID-19 vaccines (ingredients, how they work, side effects, safety and more)
Listen to a recording of our Feb. 17 Primary Care Virtual Town Hall for updates on vaccines, variants and more
Questions? Call CHOP's Coronavirus Helpline at 800-722-7112
