Camden County Not Canceling Appointments Over J&J Pause

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Camden County's COVID-19 vaccination center will be pausing use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine based on recommendations from the federal government, county officials said Tuesday morning.

The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will continue to be administered, and no appointments will need to be rescheduled.

“The Camden County Department of Health has been monitoring the latest news from the FDA this morning regarding the J&J vaccine and the six impacted patients in Nebraska," Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. said. "Based on the information that currently exists, and out of an abundance of caution, with guidance from the state Department of Health and our healthcare partners, we will be pausing the use of this vaccine. The Moderna vaccine will continue to be provided at the Camden County Vaccination Center located at Camden County College, and both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will continue to be provided at the Kroc Center in Camden."

He went on to say that no appointments need to be rescheduled, and every patient will get either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.

"That said, we do want to take this opportunity to continue to advocate and underscore the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccine is the only way for us to crush this virus and get to a post-pandemic world," Cappelli said. "If a patient is experiencing any long-term difficulties after prior vaccine dosage, they should consult their primary care physician.”

The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday because of blood-clot concerns. Read more here: Feds: Pause Johnson & Johnson COVID Vaccine In NJ, Elsewhere

The news comes after reports of a New Jersey man who became very sick with COVID-19 weeks after getting the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The case, however, appears to have no connection to the federal government's actions on Tuesday. Read more: Edison Man Hospitalized With COVID-19 After J&J Vaccine: Reports

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The Camden County Vaccination Clinic is currently open to those with appointments only. Appointments are available for eligible residents at camdencountyvaccine.com or by calling 856-549-0530 or 1-800-999-9045.

Vaccine eligibility is determined by the Governor. Those currently eligible for vaccination include:

• Individuals age 55+
• Individuals age 16-54 with certain medical conditions
• Individuals age 16-54 with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Childcare workers in licensed and registered settings
• Clergy
• Communications, IT, and media workers
• Educators and staff, including pre-K to 12 and higher education
• Eldercare and support workers
• Elections personnel
• First responders
• Healthcare workers
• Hospitality workers
• Individuals experiencing homelessness and those living in shelters
• Judicial system workers
• Laundry services workers
• Librarians and library support staff
• Long-term care and high-risk congregate care facility residents and staff
• Medical supply chain employees
• Members of tribal communities
• Migrant farm workers
• Postal and shipping service workers
• Public safety workers
• Real estate, building, and home services workers
• Retail financial institution workers
• Sanitation workers
• Social service workers and support staff
• Transportation workers
• Utilities workers
• Warehousing and logistics workers

If you are having difficulty scheduling your appointment online or you need to reschedule your second appointment, email COVID19VaxCenter@camdencounty.com. If you have any questions, call the COVID-19 Vaccination Center Hotline at 856-549-0530.

To keep up with the latest vaccination news, visit Patch's New Jersey COVID-19 Vaccination Information Hub.

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