More NJ COVID Vaccine Expansion: Clergy, Food Workers

NEW JERSEY - Gov. Phil Murphy added more to the list on Monday afternoon, expanding immunization availability to hundreds of thousands of the state's residents.

During his Monday afternoon news conference, the governor said judges, members of the clergy and food service workers will be eligible at the end of March (see full list below).

The eligibility expansion comes as Murphy announced that more than 70,000 doses of the approved Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be delivered to New Jersey by the end of the week. In addition to the state’s anticipated 70,000 doses to be received this week, CVS and Rite Aid will be allocated 22,500 doses from J&J through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program.

Read more: Where To Get The Coronavirus Vaccine In New Jersey

“The importance of having a third highly effective vaccine in our toolkit, especially one that requires only one dose and that can be stored in regular refrigeration, cannot be overstated,” Murphy said. “This is a game-changer to get more shots in arms as with everything else we just need the supply.”

Beginning March 29, front-line essential workers in the following categories will also be eligible for vaccination:

• Food production, agriculture and food distribution (including grocery store and restaurant workers)
• Eldercare and support
• Warehousing and logistics
• Social services support staff
• Elections personnel
• Hospitality
• Medical supply chain
• Postal and shipping services
• Clergy
• Judicial system

“Depending on the community group that you’re in, you may have a different path toward your vaccine. For instance, NJ Transit has pre-readied a dedicated site within their own system. No final decisions, but that’s an option that could be used,” Murphy said.

New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli did warn that, although additional vaccines are expected, not everyone who is eligible may be able to register right away.

“Despite the additional vaccines coming to the state, we are still in a time of scarce vaccine supply,” Persichilli said. “Not everyone will be able to book an appointment immediately upon becoming categorically eligible. As we continue to move forward, equity will still be in front of our minds. We will continue to provide avenues for communities at a significant disadvantage to accessing the vaccine, primarily our communities of color and residents over the age of 75.

The governor also added that the state has been conducting outreach initiatives to residents 75 and older to ensure access to vaccine mega sites.

“There’s also no question that in the 75 and up group you’re going to have even less internet facility or access, you’re not going to be able to be on your phone morning noon and night trying to get that appointment. We need a little bit of an extra push here and that’s what we’re going to do," Murphy said.

This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.