West Orange COVID Vaccine Numbers Rise: See Updated Total

WEST ORANGE, NJ — About 50 percent of West Orange residents are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to state statistics released Friday. The number is up from last week, when it stood at 46 percent.

The New Jersey Department of Health recently began releasing vaccine statistics for each city and town in the state. The state's website doesn't note which variety of the vaccine have been given. The Pfizer and Moderna versions require two doses spaced several weeks apart; the Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires a single dose.

West Orange has a population of 47,563 residents, according to the most recent estimate from the U.S. Census.

In West Orange, here's the percentage breakdown of people who have gotten "at least one dose" of COVID-19 vaccine as of May 21:

• All Ages – 61 percent
• 18 and Up – 75 percent
• 65 and Up – 91 percent

In West Orange, here's the breakdown of fully vaccinated people who have completed their course:

• All Ages – 50 percent
• 18 and Up – 64 percent
• 65 and Up – 82 percent

State health officials noted that the website may show more than 100 percent vaccine coverage for some towns due to several reasons, including people moving, students living on campus in the area, and people living in long-term care facilities.

HOW TO GET A VACCINE IN ESSEX COUNTY

The state has opened its eligibility list to anyone 16 and older who lives, works or studies in New Jersey. Vaccines are available to all residents, regardless of immigration or insurance status.

New Jersey has cleared the way for hundreds of vaccination sites across the state, including Federally Qualified Health Centers, supermarkets, pharmacies and doctor's offices. Some are accepting appointments or have residency requirements, but others do not. People can visit COVIDvaccine.nj.gov to preregister.

New Jersey recently added a "vaccine appointment finder" that can be seen here.

In Essex County, there are more than 40 places to get a COVID-19 vaccine if you qualify, including county-run sites in West Orange and Newark that have walk-up appointments available.

• See related article: Essex County Announces Big Changes At Its COVID Vaccine Sites

Some sites in Essex County, such as a federal-backed center in Newark, use the Pfizer version, which is approved for people 12 and over. However, many other sites use the Moderna version, which is only available to people 18 and up.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page.