Local Jersey Shore Pharmacy Begins COVID Vaccine Distribution

OCEAN, NJ - A local Monmouth County pharmacy has started administering COVID-19 vaccinations to local residents, according to state officials.

Pharmacy Town, a local pharmacy based in Ocean Township, is currently working to vaccinate the senior and minority population and those without internet access. Those looking to receive an appointment and are having difficulty with online registration can register in person at their store for a time slot at a later date.

In a statement emailed to Patch, LD-11 officials Sen. Vin Gopal, Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling and Assemblywoman Joann Downey have expressed their excitement for this development and urge those who are eligible to receive a vaccine:

“Senator Gopal and Assembly Members Houghtaling and Downey have been strong advocates for independent pharmacies, and we are very happy we have received our first shipment of many to come, as we have already started vaccinating members of our community right here in Ocean Township,” said Dev Tailor, owner of Pharmacy Town. “We want to make sure we take care of members of our community by providing a location nearby where they can easily obtain the vaccine.”

Pharmacy Town received their first shipment of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine through the federal government and will be receiving more shipments in the coming weeks, according to a statement. Individuals who want to receive a vaccine will receive a vaccine as the rollout of supply continues and eligibility requirements expand in the state of New Jersey.

As of April 5, all individuals ages 55 and over, as well as individuals ages 16 and up with intellectual or developmental disabilities are now eligible to get the vaccine. Eligibility requirements are expected to expand to all individuals ages 16 and over starting April 19, Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday. Read more: COVID Vaccines Will Expand To NJ Residents 16 And Older

“I am very happy to see that Pharmacy Town can finally help their local residents through this pandemic,” Sen. Gopal (D-Long Branch) said. “Their patients want to receive the COVID-19 shot from their local, trusted, neighborhood pharmacy just a few minutes down the road. Now they do not have to drive across the state to a North or South Jersey mega site for their only chance to get a shot in their arms.”

As of Wednesday, roughly 1.9 million residents have been fully vaccinated in New Jersey. This brings the Garden State to 40 percent of its goal to have 4.7 million residents fully vaccinated by the end of June.

“Local mom-and-pop pharmacies have patient populations consisting of mostly senior citizens with an increased risk for contracting COVID-19,” said Assemblywoman Downey (D-Freehold). “Congratulations to Pharmacy Town for receiving their first shipment of Johnson & Johnson vaccines and thank you for prioritizing the most vulnerable populations while working to ensure everyone who wants a vaccine will receive one.”

Eligible individuals can register for a vaccination appointment at this link or by calling (732) 493-5100.