Latest COVID-19: New Jersey and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania expand vaccine launches

TRENTON, New Jersey (WPVI) – As of Thursday, people aged 65 and over, and people with health problems, can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine in New Jersey.

The news comes when the state administers about 264,000 doses of the vaccine.

“We were seeing a desire for the capsules to open up to access a wider vaccine community,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.

He added that the federal government’s decision not to withhold vaccine doses also influenced the decision.

SEE ALSO: New Jersey expanding eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations

People aged 65 and over and people with medical problems in New Jersey had already been classified in group 1C. They are now part of group 1B. The first respondents are also part of group 1B. Health professionals are part of group 1A.

The state website lists the eligible medical conditions for people aged 16 to 64 in group 1B as follows:

– cancer
– Chronic kidney disease
– COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
– Down’s syndrome
– Heart problems, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
– Obesity (body mass index 30 kg / m2 or higher, but – Severe obesity (BMI 40 kg / m2)
– Sickle cell anemia
– smoke
– Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Those wishing to make an appointment can access information about New Jersey vaccination locations here.

ShopRite, one of the places where the vaccine will be administered, said Wednesday that its schedule of appointments is full.

A note on ShopRite’s vaccination website says: “Due to high demand, our appointment schedule for COVID-19 vaccines is COMPLETE – there are currently no new appointments available. Check back at a later date. We are working hard to secure additional vaccines and open scheduling availability. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience. “

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, is also expanding its vaccine distribution. The county administered about 6,500 doses of the 10,000 doses it received from the federal government.

“I am very excited by the enthusiasm that so many people have to be vaccinated,” said Dr. Val Arkoosh, Montgomery County Health Commissioner.

Those in Phases 1A, 1B and 1C include essential frontline workers, people aged 65 and over, and people with medical conditions. Montgomery County lists these medical conditions as follows:
– cancer
– Chronic kidney disease
– COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
– Down’s syndrome
– Heart problems, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
– Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) due to solid organ transplantation
– Obesity (body mass index 30 kg / m2 or higher, but – Severe obesity (BMI 40 kg / m2)
– Pregnancy
– Sickle cell anemia
– smoke
– Type 2 diabetes mellitus

To pre-register the vaccine in Montgomery County, click this link.

SEE ALSO: USA asking states to vaccinate all people over 65; do not hold 2nd dose

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