NJ Gov: 2nd Shots Lag In Newark, Irvington, Orange, East Orange

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Four of Essex County’s largest municipalities are lagging behind the state in second COVID-19 shots, Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday.

Public health experts have urged New Jersey residents to return for their follow up shot, saying it is vital to protect against the virus. Both the Moderna and Pfizer versions of the vaccine require two doses, spaced about six weeks apart. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is only a one-shot dose.

Most of the Garden State is doing well returning for their second doses, according to Murphy. Six weeks after getting their first shot, 93 percent of New Jersey residents came back for their second round, the latest state data shows. Read More: 7 Percent Of NJ Fails To Show Up For 2nd Shot, Gov. Murphy Says

But there are at least 16 towns and cities where progress is lagging, the governor said during a news conference.

Murphy shared a list of municipalities with populations over 10,000, where under 40 percent of residents have received an initial dose of vaccine. It included East Orange, Irvington, Newark and Orange in Essex County (see the list below).

The governor said the state is ramping up its engagement with local officials to move forward together.

“This is not going to be a competition between towns,” Murphy said, adding that the list is not meant to shame any individual community.

“But having these numbers out there for everyone to see is important,” Murphy said.

Last Wednesday, the CDC released this study that found the Pfizer and Moderna shots give 64 percent protection in those 65 and older after one injection. After the second dose, that immunity increases to 94 percent effectiveness.

This article contains reporting from Carly Baldwin, Patch staff

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.