Philadelphia extends COVID-19 vaccination deadline for higher education and healthcare workers

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – The City of Philadelphia is extending the deadline for higher education and healthcare workers to be fully immunized.

“You have seen in other places that have implemented vaccination mandates that they are working, that workers mobilize and get their vaccines despite a lot of anxiety before the deadline,” the acting commissioner told Philadelphia Health Dr Cheryl Bettigole at a press briefing Wednesday.

University staff, students, faculty, and workers in hospitals and long-term care facilities will need to receive at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by Friday, October 15, rather than being required to be fully vaccinated that day.

They will need to receive their second dose, if they receive Moderna or Pfizer, by November 15.

“Hospitals, long-term care facilities (workers) and academic staff, students and faculty who do not have approved exemptions and who do not have that first dose by October 15, next Friday, or, if necessary, their second dose by Nov. 15 would be non-compliant and could not work or study within those parameters, ”Bettigole said.

All other healthcare workers, except those in hospitals or long-term care facilities, will have an additional week beyond this accommodation, until October 22, to receive at least one dose of the vaccine. COVID -19. They are expected to receive their second dose by November 22 and should be tested twice a week until they are fully immunized.

“I hope that this extra time will help all of these workers to overcome the last hurdles to accept the vaccination,” said Bettigole.

The acting health commissioner added that if a company or institution wants to be stricter with its vaccination policy, it can be.

“If you want to make things really easy to remember, think of it this way,” said Bettigole, “if you’re not vaccinated, get the shot today, and you won’t have to worry anymore. of these deadlines. “

Thanksgiving deadline

Dr Bettigole also provided deadlines for those who want to be fully immunized by Thanksgiving, November 25.

You should receive your first dose of Moderna vaccine before October 13, next Wednesday. You will receive your second dose before November 10 and will be fully vaccinated before the holidays.

Or you will need to receive your first dose of Pfizer vaccine by October 20, the following Wednesday. You will receive your second dose before November 10 and will be fully vaccinated before the holidays.

Or you will need to get the Johnson and Johnson vaccine by November 10 in order to be fully immunized before Thanksgiving.

“But really, why wait? If you want a single dose of J&J, or if you want Pfizer or Moderna, there are clinics and drugstores all over town that would love to see you today. don’t have to worry about those vacation deadlines, ”Bettigole said.