Ocean County COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Rules Tightened

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The Ocean County Health Department is tightening the rules for its COVID-10 vaccination clinics in response to the overwhelming demand for the vaccine and limited supplies.

The clinics — set up at the RWJ Barnabas Healthcare Arena at Toms River High School North and at Southern Regional Middle School on Route 9 in Manahawkin — now are limited to Ocean County residents only.

"Ocean County residents will be required to have ID showing proof of residency when showing up to their appointment," the health department said.

People from outside Ocean County who have received their first doses and have a second-dose appointment scheduled with the county health department will have those appointments honored.

"Out of county residents should contact the local health department where they live for access to COVID-19 vaccinations," the health department said.

In addition, Ocean County residents must have an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the county-operated clinics.

"The OCHD does not have any reserve (leftover) vaccine at the end of the day. Therefore, anyone who shows up at the end of the day — or at any time — without an appointment will be turned away," officials said.

The health department does occasionally have additional appointments open up; officials announce them on thedepartment's Facebook page.

Appointments cannot be transferred to someone else.

"Only the person named on the appointment will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at that specific date/time. Please do not send anyone else in your place – they will be turned away," the health department said.

Anyone who received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at one of the OCHD vaccination sites can expect to receive their second-dose email within 2 weeks of receiving their first dose. The second email will direct you to a link to schedule a second-dose appointment.

Ocean County residents can check the county health department's website for updates on available appointments. Appointments are still very limited due to a shortage of vaccine, officials said.

The county has distributed more than 9,000 doses of the vaccine so far, officials said.

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