Gov. Phil Murphy Announces Expanded COVID 19 Vaccination Categories Beginning Tomorrow

Gov. Phil Murphy has just announced a move to expand vaccinations beginning tomorrow – meaning that COVID 19 shots can now be administered to people age 65 and over and individuals ages 16-64 with certain medical conditions.  I expect to announce a vaccination center in Monroe soon.

I am pleased the state has finally moved to expand vaccinations to these vulnerable groups. I have been reaching out to state and county officials advocating for this roll-out and am pleased it is finally moving forward.  But I am disappointed – as many of you are – at the slow speed the federal government has moved to provide this vaccine. I hope that rate will dramatically increase in the coming weeks with more sites and more doses available.

Beginning tomorrow, all residents ages 65 and older, and individuals ages 16-64 with certain medical conditions, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that increase the risk of severe illness from the virus, are eligible for the vaccination.

Those conditions include cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, Down Syndrome, heart conditions, obesity and severe obesity, sickle cell disease, smoking, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Individuals who are pregnant and those in an immune-compromised state 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 find locations offering the vaccination, visit https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/healthcare-worker-covid-19-vaccine-locations

To register on the statewide vaccination website, visit: https://covidvaccine.nj.gov

In closing, I am working very hard with our state and county officials to ensure a vaccination location in Monroe and will update you soon.

Sincerely,

Miriam Cohen,

Acting Mayor

Monroe Township