One million people have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine in New Jersey, officials announced on Monday.
As of Monday morning, 1,003,232 people had received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine. Of these, 369,113 received both doses.
Both vaccines currently approved for use – Pfizer and Moderna – require two doses administered three or four weeks apart.
The highest total in a single day for vaccine administration was February 4, when more than 60,000 received an injection. Many of these consultations were rescheduled from February 1, when only 7,800 doses were distributed during a major snowstorm. Currently, there are 295 vaccination posts across the state.
Officials said the goal is to vaccinate 70% of the adult population in six months. More than 11% of the state has received at least one dose of the vaccine since vaccination efforts began in late December.
Over 44,700 doses were given to out-of-state residents who work or attend school in New Jersey, the state panel shows.
Health professionals, first responders, people over 65, people with certain medical conditions and smokers are currently eligible for the vaccine. Governor Phil Murphy said the teachers will be among the next eligible group, but has not announced a deadline for when this will happen.
The state reached one million doses of the vaccine administered on February 8. That number included the first and second doses administered to about 813,000 people.
The launch was not without obstacles. Residents complained about the long waiting times, the difficulty of navigating the registration system and the demand that far exceeds the limited supply.
Although both vaccines currently approved for emergency use require two injections, it may not be long before residents can be vaccinated with a single injection. Johnson & Johnson is currently seeking approval for a single dose vaccine. Approval can be granted in early March.
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