Bernards Twp. Health Dept.: Tips For Finding Vaccine Appointments

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Securing appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations hasn't been easy for many New Jerseyans. The Bernards Township Health Department suggested some ways that might help.

Here are the local health department's tips and websites with additional information, according to its weekly newsletter:

• Join the New Jersey Covid Vaccine Info Facebook group. The 61,000-member group gives New Jerseyans the opportunity to share up-to-date information on vaccine availability.
• Follow VaxxUpdates on Twitter. The page helps Garden State residents secure vaccine appointments with instant updates on availability.
• CVS and Rite Aid began scheduling COVID-19 appointments at locations that will receive vaccines. But appointments fill up quickly.
• CentraState Healthcare System in Freehold periodically opens registration. They will email a link when you're eligible for an appointment.
• Check out the COVID-19 Vaccine Registration FAQ from RWJBarnabas Health.
• The Bernards Township Health Department also provided links for Rowan Medicine, St. Joseph's Health and Valley Health System.

Basking Ridge Patch created a comprehensive list with vaccination sites and more information on getting an appointment. But low doses throughout New Jersey have made it difficult for many to find an appointment near them.

The shortages have prevented some approved vaccination sites from opening. The state approved the Bernards Township Health Department last month as a small vaccination site, but the state hasn't been able to provide them with any doses yet.

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The New Jersey Department of Health tallied 1,713,580 doses administered in New Jersey as of Tuesday afternoon. State officials set a goal for 70 percent of New Jersey's adult population — 4.7 million people — to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in six months. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses each, so the state would need to administer 9.4 million shots to reach its goal by June.

The Bernards Township Health Department is the contractual health agency serving Bernards Township, Bernardsville, Chester Borough, Long Hill Township, Mendham Borough, and Peapack and Gladstone Borough.

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