BLOOMFIELD, NJ -- With COVID-19 cases spiking across the state, Mayor Venezia is urging qualifying residents to register to be vaccinated as quickly as possible. The state is currently in phase 1B of vaccinations which includes anyone 65 years of age or older in addition to anyone 16-64 with certain underlying health conditions.
“The past ten months have been incredibly challenging for our community however, the vaccine gives us hope that this will soon be behind us,” said Mayor Venezia. “It is imperative that everyone get the vaccine as soon as they are eligible so that we can move forward without any more loss of life. The vaccine is safe and is free of charge whether you have health insurance or not.”
Getting vaccinated is one of the tools that will help keep you, your family and your community healthy and safe. Other tools include continuing to wear a mask in public, social distancing, and washing your hands frequently. By getting vaccinated, you can help end the damage to the economy, prevent more illnesses and deaths in America and eradicate COVID-19.
Essex County is distributing the Moderna vaccine. In order for the vaccine to be 95% effective, you will need 2 doses. Both doses will be scheduled at the time of your appointment confirmation.
Those most at risk include individuals at high risk (Phase 1B) (effective 1/14/21).
Individuals aged 65 and older, and individuals ages 16-64 with medical conditions, as
defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that increase the risk of
severe illness from the virus which include:
o Cancer
o Chronic kidney disease
o COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
o Down Syndrome
o Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
o Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
o Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)
o Sickle cell disease
o Smoking
o Type 2 diabetes mellitus
o Individuals who are pregnant and those in an immunocompromised state
(weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant are also eligible but should
follow CDC guidance and first discuss vaccination with their medical provider before
receiving the vaccine.
To get a vaccine, an appointment is required. Please visit essexcovid.org to schedule your vaccine. There are currently four vaccination clinics available to Essex County residents. Or, call 973-877-8456 for scheduling. You will receive follow-up instructions via text message or email.
For additional information on vaccination distribution and general COVID-19 inquiries, visit https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/slowing-the-spread/who-is-eligible-for-vaccination-in-new-jersey-who-is-included-in-the-vaccination-phases.
Vaccine distribution information is ever evolving. Essex County is currently distributing the Moderna vaccine which is specifically for those ages 18 and older. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for persons 16 years of age and older, under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization.
Not all sites administer both vaccines, so it is important to understand before scheduling that only those vaccination sites with Pfizer vaccine can immunize those that are 16 and 17 years of age. Contact the county at 973-877-8456 to see what alternate plans have been made for those who are 16 and 17 years of age.