The weather is turning colder (finally!), and we are heading into the winter months. This is a time when respiratory illnesses, like the common cold, flu, RSV, and COVID-19, are more widespread.
The federal government, under the direction of the Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has created confusion around vaccines, especially the COVID-19 vaccine. They have also made it more difficult for people to get vaccinated, with new restrictions from the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).
Here’s what you need to know about getting your COVID-19 vaccine this fall. The updated vaccines have been approved by the FDA only for those who are 65 years of age or older. People with existing health conditions or who are immuno-compromised (moderately or severely) are also eligible for the vaccine. Most of these conditions are chronic and include asthma, cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, diabetes, obesity, and some disabilities (like Down syndrome and autism).
Three COVID-19 vaccines have been approved:
- Moderna was approved for children 6 months and older with an underlying condition and people over 65.
- Pfizer was approved for children 5 and older with an underlying condition and people over 65.
- Novavax was approved for children 12 and older with an underlying condition and people over 65.
No matter the federal government’s opinions 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 when it comes to preventing serious sickness and death from the virus. If you do not fall within the groups identified by the federal government as eligible for the vaccine, you can talk to a healthcare provider and decide with them about getting vaccinated. They can even administer the vaccine to you or your children right then! Doctors, registered nurses and pharmacists are providers.
In Philadelphia, you can get your COVID-19 vaccine at city health centers, doctor’s offices and pharmacies. COVID-19 vaccines are free for children and adult vaccines are covered by health insurance. If you do not have insurance, you can get free vaccines at city health centers, as of October 17th, 2025. They are located in different locations across the city. For those in North Philadelphia, the closest is Health Center 10 (2230 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149). Don’t forget to bring proof of your residency in Philadelphia to the health center you choose. With seasonal illness just around the corner, getting vaccinated is an important medical decision that we can make for ourselves and our families.