NEWARK – Governor Phil Murphy today returned to University Hospital in celebration of the one-year anniversary of the of the first COVID-19 vaccination in New Jersey. On December 15, 2020, Governor Murphy marked the historic beginning of New Jersey’s vaccination effort at University Hospital and witnessed the administration of the first COVID-19 vaccinations to the state’s frontline health care workers. To mark the anniversary, Governor Murphy and New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli designated December 15 as Boost NJ Day, with vaccination sites offering expanded walk-in availability and extended hours to increase accessibility and encourage booster doses.

Today, more than seven million New Jerseyans have received at least their first dose, and more than six million have completed their primary vaccination course. Additionally, 1.5 million eligible New Jerseyans have received their booster dose.

“Today’s anniversary marks a significant milestone in the progress we have made against COVID-19,” said Governor Murphy. “Over the last year, we have learned that vaccines are the best tool we have in preventing hospitalizations and death, and millions of New Jerseyans have rolled up their sleeves to protect themselves, their families, and their communities. However, with data showing waning immunity over time, we encourage all New Jerseyans ages 16 and older to receive a necessary booster dose to enhance their protection against COVID-19.”

“With waning immunity and increased holiday travel and gatherings, it is critical for everyone to maintain their protection against this virus,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Persichilli. “Over 4.7 million people are eligible for booster doses in New Jersey and yet only about 37% have gotten that additional shot of protection so far. We must do better.”

“Thanks to the Governor and our great Health Commissioner, we are marking the first anniversary of vaccination against COVID-19 here in New Jersey. We are in a position now that is worlds different from where we were last year,” said University Hospital President and CEO Dr. Shereef Elnahal. “Thanks to the incredible support we’ve had from the State, the vaccine rollout here is among the best in the country. We are facing new and unanticipated challenges with the Delta variant and the Omicron variant. We have a task ahead of us, to communicate clearly to this community that boosting is necessary to keep folks safe.”

“We’re grateful for all that Governor Murphy and Commissioner Persichilli have done to support and promote COVID vaccinations for the people of the State of New Jersey,” said New Jersey Medical School Dean Dr. Robert Johnson, FAAP. “Rutgers New Jersey Medical School is committed to its continuing partnership with University Hospital to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our state, and to care for people suffering from its long-term effects.”