NJIT In Newark Chosen For Federal Coronavirus Vaccine Site

NEWARK, NJ — New Jersey’s most populated city is about to get huge boost to its coronavirus-fighting capabilities thanks to a pilot program from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Newark was among the first cities chosen for FEMA’s new program, which will create a federally supported vaccine site on the campus of the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), among other key locations in the U.S.

When it’s up and running, the NJIT site will have the capability to give up to 6,000 doses per day, seven days per week, officials said.

Vaccines will be provided directly from the federal government, above and beyond the state’s regular allocations.

The goal is to get more shots into arms in some of the nation’s most vulnerable areas, officials said. Locations were chosen based on factors including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “social vulnerability index,” U.S. Census data, and input from state and local partners.

Newark has been among the hardest-hit cities in the state when it comes to the virus. As of Friday, the city has seen 33,942 cumulative cases of COVID-19 – nearly half of the entire total in Essex County.

Other recently announced locations for the new FEMA sites include Boston, Massachusetts and Norfolk, Virginia.

“NJIT is working aggressively to prepare for the coming launch of this important initiative on Wednesday, March 31,” the college stated in a news release.

Administrators said it’s still unknown how long the center will be operational, but they expect that it will run for “at least two to three months.”

“NJIT is exceptionally proud to be part of this effort, and is appreciative of President Joe Biden, Gov. Phil Murphy, and the federal and state agencies that are collaborating with [us] to make this possible and to get this center up and running expeditiously,” administrators said.

NJIT officials said the center’s location – the Naimoli Family Athletic and Recreational Facility – was chosen to minimize its potential impact by keeping foot traffic near the perimeter of the campus.

The university is also creating procedures and rules designed to prevent the operations of the vaccination center from “encroaching upon the majority of our campus or significantly disrupting daily life,” administrators said.

• See related article: NJIT In Newark Will Be ‘Mostly In-Person’ For Fall 2021

The center will be supported by the federal government, in partnership with the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, the New Jersey Department of Health, Essex County and the City of Newark.

For more information about eligibility, locations, and to preregister for a vaccination, visit: https://covid19.nj.gov/vaccine.

On Friday, a wave of public officials gave a thumbs-up to the decision to place one of the new centers at NJIT. Those lending support included:

Gov. Phil Murphy - “Ensuring vaccine equity by reaching deep into communities with higher risks of virus exposure and infection is among our highest priorities. By bringing a federal pilot community vaccination center to New Jersey, we are one step closer to reaching our goal of vaccinating 4.7 million New Jersey adults in an efficient, effective, and equitable manner. I am incredibly grateful to President Biden and his administration for not only their partnership, but their leadership and bold action, to provide us with the vaccines and support necessary to vaccinate the public and end the COVID-19 pandemic.”

U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. – “This is great news for Essex County. During this global pandemic, Essex County had one of the highest COVID-19 infection and death rates in the country. The county needs this center to increase vaccination rates, protect residents, and reopen schools safely. I have been working with the White House, FEMA, and Governor Murphy to get more vaccines to Essex County. I am glad to hear help is on the way.”

New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli – “We are pleased to again be partnering with FEMA in expanding access to COVID-19 vaccines to residents of underserved communities in New Jersey. The state's vaccination program has been guided throughout by equity, and we are working hard to make vaccines available in areas that have been impacted the hardest by the virus.”

Tom Fargione, acting FEMA regional administrator – “FEMA and the state of New Jersey have partnered in our COVID-19 response efforts since the onset of the pandemic. The opening of the community vaccination center at the New Jersey Institute of Technology is the latest example of the strong collaboration between the state and FEMA. At the direction of President Biden, the federal family across the nation is working closely with communities hardest hit by the virus. I emphatically encourage everyone who meets the current criteria to receive a vaccine to get one; not only to protect yourself, but to protect those you love. Together we will ensure every New Jerseyan who wants a vaccine can get one — equitable access is a top priority.”

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. – “Getting the vaccine is the best tool we have to put an end to the coronavirus pandemic and allow our lives to return to normal. We appreciate Governor Murphy continuing to support our efforts and opening the megacenter at NJIT. The goal is to get as many shots in people's arms, and having the megacenter will augment the work we are doing at our five vaccination sites and through our other initiatives.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka – “As we've seen the detriment that COVID-19 has caused on our community and beyond, it's extremely important for any of our residents to have access to the vaccine if they are ready to get one. On behalf of the residents of the City of Newark, I am grateful for the Biden-Harris Administration, FEMA, and Governor Murphy's leadership in bringing more vaccines to us where we need them the most. This is our best scientific means for protection against COVID.”

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