New Jersey began this week to launch a second coronavirus vaccine – and some health professionals on Wednesday had to drive their cars and open the windows to get it.
Governor Phil Murphy was present to watch workers at a Toms River clinic receive the Modern vaccine on a drive-through.
Ocean Health Initiatives workers rolled up their shirtsleeves and received the photo through the driver’s window. They then waited in their vehicle for 15 minutes so that the team could do so if there were any side effects.
Last week, hospitals in Garden State began inoculating healthcare professionals with the Pfizer vaccine, the first vaccine approved to fight COVID-19. As of Sunday afternoon, 26 state hospitals had administered 8,704 doses of Pfizer’s double vaccine to workers, according to the state.
This week, hospitals and state health centers began administering the Modern two-dose vaccine – the second vaccine approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration – for workers.
Ocean Health Initiatives was one of the first to administer it, giving the vaccine to 70 workers on Tuesday, while 200 were scheduled to receive it on Wednesday.
“This is an important public health day here in Toms River and Ocean County,” said Murphy on Wednesday. “But it is just as important in countless communities in our state, where this scene is unfolding.”
US Representative Andy Kim, D-3rd Dist., Added: “This is a day that seemed unimaginable or seemed so distant, nine months ago, when this pandemic started.”
The state plans to launch the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in phases in the coming months, first for health professionals and long-term residents and employees by January. All recipients of the two vaccines need two injections, a few weeks apart.
“We need our workers to be safe and protected while we continue to fight this virus,” said state health commissioner Judith Persichili on Wednesday.
After that, essential workers and people over 65 and with high-risk health conditions will come. Broader distribution to the general public is expected in April, May or June, officials said.
Vaccination at New Jersey’s long-term care facilities is expected to start on Monday – a week later than in other states because of the missed deadline.
The state is also installing six mega-sites for vaccination and about 200 satellite sites in the coming months.
In all, New Jersey is expected to receive 392,800 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines by the end of the year, according to the state – 20% less than originally forecast.
Persichilli said the state will learn every Tuesday about new lots.
New Jersey’s goal is to vaccinate 70% of its adult population in the next six months.
Murphy and Persichilli pointed out Wednesday that, like Pfizer’s, the Modern vaccine is safe and effective.
“The health heroes who are being vaccinated here today would not be receiving this vaccine because they did not believe in its safety and effectiveness,” said the governor.
Murphy also emphasized that, although hospitals received a lot of attention during the pandemic, health clinics like the one in Toms River have been instrumental in helping to give tests, treat patients and eliminate outbreaks. He said the Ocean Health Initiatives were instrumental in containing an outbreak in Lakewood and other parts of Ocean County in September and October.
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The authorities emphasize that, although the vaccine distribution has started, New Jersey residents should not have a false sense of security because the pandemic will continue to hit the state in the coming months. They call on residents to continue wearing masks, practicing social detachment and washing their hands to help contain the spread.
New Jersey reported another 4,686 COVID-19 cases and 104 additional confirmed deaths on Tuesday – the first time since June that state officials announced 100 or more deaths in one day.
Meanwhile, coronavirus hospitalizations across the Garden State have risen for the fourth consecutive day on Tuesday, although the statewide transmission rate has dropped further below the primary benchmark of 1.
“Today, we are still a long way from our final victory,” said Murphy on Wednesday. “But there is no doubt that there is a light on the horizon in the form of these vaccines.”
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Brent Johnson can be contacted at [email protected].