South Jersey Vaccine Mega-Site Offers Comfort For Special Needs

DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ — New Jersey’s COVID-19 vaccination mega-site at Rowan College at South Jersey now has a space specifically designated for those with special needs who need to get vaccinated in a quieter space.

On Feb. 6, the state began using the college’s Business and Corporate Center (BAC) for seniors and the disabled. According to county officials, that building now serves more than 900 people daily.

“Soon after we opened this building to seniors, we realized that there was a population in our community that needed this space to receive the vaccine in a quiet, calm space,” Gloucester County Commissioner Director Robert M. Damminger said.

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So the site organizers partnered with Rowan Integrated Special Needs (RISN) Center Director Dr. Jennifer LeComte to create a safe space for individuals with physical, developmental, behavioral/emotion or sensory impaired disabilities.

“Our goal at the site is to make sure everyone has a great, safe experience while they’re receiving their COVID-19 vaccine. We are here to serve our citizens, and establishing this sensory room allows us to continue to serve all New Jersey citizens appropriately,” State Senate President Steve Sweeney said.

The space includes dimmed lights, colored lights, and activities specifically designed to calm anyone who may be feeling overwhelmed. Pet therapy is also available, on certain days, and everything is cleaned and sanitized after each use.

“The Gloucester County Mega Site is meticulous about accessibility and providing assistance throughout the entire process,” Sweeney said. “Whether it be having ESL and ASL experts on speed dial or golf carts and wheelchairs to assist the elderly, they have truly thought of everything.”

“We take a lot of pride in beginning an inclusive county. We believe that serving our residents is not only the right way, but the only way,” Gloucester County Commissioner Jim Jefferson said.

The mega-site - which is supported by the County of Gloucester, Gloucester County Health Department, Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management, Gloucester County EMS, Happy Healthy You Family Medicine, the New Jersey State Health Department, National Guard 44th Infantry Brigade, Rowan College of South Jersey and Rowan University - opened in January. Read more here: NJ's COVID-19 Vaccine Mega-Site Opens In South Jersey

It is located at 1400 Tanyard Road in Sewell. To register to receive the vaccine, visit https://covidvaccine.nj.gov. Walk-ins are not accepted.

The New Jersey Vaccination Call Center is open to pre-register individuals, answer questions, and provide contact information for sites. To reach the Vaccination Call Center dial 855-568-0545.

For more information, call the Gloucester County Covid-19 Vaccine Hotline at 856-218-4142 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

To keep up with the latest vaccination news, visit Patch’s New Jersey COVID-19 Vaccination Information Hub.

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