Middlesex County Opens Coronavirus Vaccine Site As Rollout Begins

SAYREVILLE, NJ — Middlesex County has officially opened up its very first coronavirus vaccination site as it begins the public roll-out of its vaccination program.

The county is giving out the coronavirus vaccine from the Middlesex County Fire Academy building in Sayreville. However, the county stresses that vaccinations are strictly for Phase 1a individuals at this time and those who qualify must register for an appointment to receive the vaccine. Visit the registration portal here: https://app.acuityscheduling.c...

Middlesex County will be giving out the Moderna vaccine, which requires two shots spaced 28 days apart. New Jersey's vaccine portal is also now live; you can register here to get the vaccine: https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/v...

The Fire Academy site is run by Middlesex County; it is different than the Expo Center in Edison, which will be run by the state. The Expo Center has been long touted as one of the state's six vaccine "mega sites," but has yet to open, however.

Middlesex County has been giving out the vaccine since late December, but just made the official announcement Tuesday that the site is open. The ShopRite pharmacy of East Brunswick also has the vaccine, as does the ShopRite pharmacy of Spotswood. Read more: ShopRite Announces COVID-19 Vaccination Site In East Brunswick

This week, Middlesex County will give out vaccines Wednesday, January 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, and contingent upon supply, reopen on Friday, January 8. The County plans to administer up to 500 doses per day in its initial roll-out on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Right now, vaccines are open to Phase 1a only, which is healthcare workers and long-term care staff and residents. You must show proof of agency affiliation.

“Since day one of the pandemic, Middlesex County has been on the forefront in the fight against COVID-19, even making history when we provided the first-ever saliva-based test to our residents in April,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director, Ronald Rios. “The vaccine is a pivotal breakthrough in this battle; it signals hope for many of us. We are eager and excited to work with Governor Murphy and his team to continue the deployment of this vaccine in the coming months.”

Here is who is included in phase 1A: It is defined as paid and unpaid healthcare workers (including volunteers) who have direct or indirect contact with infectious persons or materials. These individuals include:

• doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and any other licensed or registered professionals
• healthcare support staff in areas like facilities management, security, food services, environmental services, administrative services, human resources, reception, language services, IT, laboratory, and other health care support areas
• community health workers, promoters, home health aides, visiting nurses, doulas, health educators, and public health professionals
• those working at vaccination sites, including trainees, students, volunteers, vaccinating site staff, and contractors
• other personnel like EMS, paramedics, funeral staff, mortuary staff, and autopsy workers

Long-term care facilities may include:

• skilled nursing facilities
• veteran’s homes
• assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement communities, and personal care homes
• HUD Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program housing
• group homes like residential care homes, residential dementia care homes, comprehensive care homes, adult family homes, adult foster homes, and intellectual and developmental disabilities IDD group homes
• other vulnerable, congregate, long-term settings

“We are fortunate to have advanced infrastructure in Middlesex County to immediately deploy this game-changing vaccine to our community,” said Freeholder Commissioner and Chair of Public Safety & Health Committee Shanti Narra. “This vaccine brings us one step closer to ending the spread of COVID-19 and bringing a sense of normalcy to our lives and businesses — to begin the healing process.”

In keeping with the schedule and phasing outlined by the New Jersey Department of Health, subsequent phases will include other essential workers, high-risk individuals, and the general population, with timing to be determined by the State of New Jersey.

Be the first to know what's happening in your town. Sign up to get Patch emails and don't miss a minute of local and state news: https://patch.com/subscribe