Gloucester County Not Canceling Appointments Over J&J Pause

GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NJ — New Jersey’s COVID-19 vaccination mega-site at Rowan College of South Jersey has halted the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine following a recommendation by federal health officials.

Anyone who has an appointment to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the state mega-site at 1400 Tanyard Road in Sewell will instead get the Pfizer vaccine, Gloucester County officials said Tuesday morning.

Residents also have the option of canceling their appointment, and can do so using the link in their email from the New Jersey Department of Health.

“We are putting the safety of our residents first until the CDC and State confirm the safety of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine,” Gloucester County Commissioner Director Robert M. Damminger said. “We are committed to safely vaccinating at the Gloucester County Mega Site and will continue to do so.”

The action is being taken on the recommendation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), New Jersey Department of Health and Gloucester County Medical Director Dr. Josette Palmer, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will not be distributed until cleared by health authorities, officials said.

The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday because of blood-clot concerns. Read more here: Feds: Pause Johnson & Johnson COVID Vaccine In NJ, Elsewhere

The news comes after reports of a New Jersey man who became very sick with COVID-19 weeks after getting the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The case, however, appears to have no connection to the federal government's actions on Tuesday. Read more: Edison Man Hospitalized With COVID-19 After J&J Vaccine: Reports

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Vaccine eligibility is determined by the Governor. Those currently eligible for vaccination include:

• Individuals age 55+
• Individuals age 16-54 with certain medical conditions
• Individuals age 16-54 with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Childcare workers in licensed and registered settings
• Clergy
• Communications, IT, and media workers
• Educators and staff, including pre-K to 12 and higher education
• Eldercare and support workers
• Elections personnel
• First responders
• Healthcare workers
• Hospitality workers
• Individuals experiencing homelessness and those living in shelters
• Judicial system workers
• Laundry services workers
• Librarians and library support staff
• Long-term care and high-risk congregate care facility residents and staff
• Medical supply chain employees
• Members of tribal communities
• Migrant farm workers
• Postal and shipping service workers
• Public safety workers
• Real estate, building, and home services workers
• Retail financial institution workers
• Sanitation workers
• Social service workers and support staff
• Transportation workers
• Utilities workers
• Warehousing and logistics workers

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