As you have no doubt heard, news about the Covid-19 vaccinations has been very encouraging. First shipments to all states and Puerto Rico began making their way across the country on Sunday morning.
New Jersey's health systems and hospitals began vaccinating front-line health workers on Tuesday, December 15th. COVID-19 vaccines will be rolled out step-by-step to all adults who live, work, or are being educated in NJ. Phasing will ensure that limited vaccines are distributed in a fair and equitable manner.
We share with you the following updates from Governor Phil Murphy, the New Jersey Department of Health, and County Executive Brian Hughes about these recent developments in the fight against the virus that should keep you up-to-date on the positive forward progress.
- Governor Murphy Marks Historic Beginning of New Jersey’s COVID-19 Vaccination Effort at University Hospital’s Vaccine Clinic at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (Dec 15, 2020)
Re: COVID-19 Vaccinations for Health Care Personnel to Begin in Hospitals Across New Jersey. - How will New Jersey distribute a COVID-19 vaccine? Is there a plan? (Dec 14, 2020)
Includes an overview, as well as links to the Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccination webpage that includes FAQs, the COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, and an executive summary of the plan. - COVID-19 Vaccine: Who Will Be Able to Get the Vaccine?
New Jersey’s phased approach to vaccine distribution – vaccine priority groups. - COVID-19: Point of Dispensing (POD) Fact Sheet
PODs will be temporary sites in the community where vaccines can be quickly administered to people in large numbers. POD sites will be set up within each county in New Jersey. - A letter from County Executive Brian M. Hughes (Dec 11, 2020)
Re: County Health staff ready to switch gears and oversee COVID-19 distribution in Mercer County.
Getting Back to Normal Is Going to Take All of Our Tools
As always, we encourage you to exercise good COVID health habits even as the vaccination becomes more available to the general public as per the plan. We remind you to exercise extreme care as you go about your daily business as the virus is on an upsurge around our state, the country and the world. Wear a mask when out in public , practice social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet apart, and practice good hand hygiene. Be sure to stay home if you are sick and avoid gatherings.
These developments offer hope that the end of the pandemic is in sight. However, the next couple of months will be difficult. We encourage everyone to work together to stay safe.