The weather is getting colder (finally!) and we are approaching the winter months. This is a time when respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold, flu, RSV, and COVID-19, are most widespread.
The federal government, under the direction of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has created confusion around vaccines, especially the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, it has made vaccination difficult, with new restrictions from the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).
Here’s what you need to know about getting vaccinated against COVID-19 this fall. The updated vaccines have been approved by the FDA only for people 65 and older. People with pre-existing conditions or who are immunocompromised (moderately or severely) can also get vaccinated. Most of these conditions are chronic and include asthma, cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, diabetes, obesity, and some disabilities (such as Down syndrome and autism).
Three vaccines against COVID-19 have been approved:
- Moderna was approved for children 6 months and older with an underlying disease and people 65 years and older.
- Pfizer was approved for children 5 years and older with an underlying medical condition and people 65 and older.
- Novavax was approved for children 12 years of age and older with an underlying disease and people over 65 years of age.
Regardless of the federal government’s views on vaccines — most of which are not based on scientific evidence or recommendations from qualified public health professionals — COVID-19 vaccines remain safe and effective at preventing serious illness and death from the virus. If you are not among the groups identified by the federal government as eligible for the vaccine, you can talk to a health care professional and decide if you should get vaccinated. They can even give the vaccine to you or your children right then and there! Physicians, registered nurses, and pharmacists are providers.
In Philadelphia, you can get vaccinated against COVID-19 at health centers, doctor’s offices and pharmacies in the city. COVID-19 vaccines are free for children and vaccines for adults are covered by health insurance. If you do not have insurance, you can get vaccinated for free at the city’s health centers, starting October 17, 2025. They are located in different parts of the city. For those living in North Philadelphia, the closest is Health Center 10 (2230 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149). Don’t forget to bring proof of Philadelphia residency to the health center you choose. With seasonal illnesses just around the corner, getting vaccinated is an important medical decision we can make for ourselves and our families.
