Burlington County holding COVID-19 vaccine clinics for all ages

WESTAMPTON — The Burlington County Health Department is holding more COVID-19 vaccination clinics next month to try to help get as many residents vaccinated or boosted in advance of a possible fall or winter surge of the virus.

The August clinics will be by appointment only each Friday, Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26, from 2 PM to 4 PM at the Burlington County Health Department, 15 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton. The clinics are open to all Burlington County adults, teens and children as young as 6 months old.

“We’re starting to see a rise in COVID cases and hospitalizations so now is the time for those who are still unvaccinated or eligible for a booster to act to get protected,” said Burlington County Health Department Director Dr. Herb Conaway. “Whether you’re an adult, senior or young child, the vaccines are your best possible defense against severe disease and the worst possible outcomes. We want as many of our residents protected as possible, so we’re holding these clinics to help ensure they have access.”

To make an appointment for one of the Health Department vaccine clinics, go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/bchdaugustclinics

The Moderna, Pfizer and NovaVax vaccines will be available for all eligible age groups, including the special doses of Pfizer and Moderna for children under 5.

As always pediatric vaccine dosage amounts are tailored to account for the smaller size and age-related immune system differences of our young ones.

The NovaVax shot is a new vaccine available for adults 18 and up. It is a traditional protein-based vaccine rather than the mRNA vaccines like Moderna and Pfizer. Federal health officials hope residents skeptical of the mRNA vaccines will consider it rather than going unvaccinated.

New Jersey Department of Health statistics show more than 359,000 Burlington County residents have now received at least one primary dose of vaccine. More than 222,000 county residents have also now received at least one booster dose.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend children 5 and up get boosted 5 months after their first series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and 2 months after receiving a single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine. A second booster dose is also recommended for all residents 50 and older and for anyone 12 and up who are considered high-risk for COVID complications.

While there have been discussions about expanding eligibility for the additional booster in the fall when the shots are expected to be reformulated to better protect against newer variants, Conaway and other health experts stress that those eligible for an additional dose should not wait.

“The vaccines still offer protection against severe disease, even from the newest variants, so if you qualify for a second booster now – don’t wait until fall. Get the extra protection now,” Conaway said.

Burlington County Commissioner Felicia Hopson, the Board’s liaison to the Health Department, said she was proud of the County’s response throughout the pandemic.

“From COVID-19 vaccines and testing clinics to distributing protective equipment and groceries, our County has responded to help our residents overcome the challenges of COVID,” Hopson said. “We will continue to make that help and resources available for as long as it’s needed.”