Middlesex County deploys COVID-19 vaccine to initiate Phase 1a roll-out

Healthcare workers and long-term care residents among the first to receive
preventive vaccine

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ– Middlesex County began administering and dispensing the preventative COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Moderna –approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use to Phase 1a recipients. The County will continue these vaccinations on Wednesday, January 6 from 10 am to 12 pm, and contingent upon supply, reopen on Friday, January 8. Qualified Phase 1a individuals include healthcare workers and long-term care staff and residents and must show proof of agency affiliation. The County plans to administer up to 500 doses per day in its initial roll-out on a first-come-first-serve basis. Registration is required and available by clicking here.

“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 County Commissioner Director, Ronald G. 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.”

For the initial recipients of the vaccine, healthcare workers can be defined as any paid or unpaid person working or volunteering in a healthcare setting who may 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, promotoras, 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

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.

“We are fortunate to have advanced infrastructure in Middlesex County to immediately deploy this game-changing vaccine to our community,” said 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.”

The County is administering the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna, which will require two injections with the final shot administered 28 days after the initial dose. Middlesex County is uniquely positioned and fully equipped with the technology and resources necessary to dispense this vaccine to its first responders and residents.

For information on Moderna’s vaccine, visit its website here.  As more details emerge regarding Middlesex County’s COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, the latest information and vaccination schedules will be available on www.middlesexcountynj.gov/COVID-19.

ABOUT MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ

Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 18 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 832,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities and employing nearly 40,000 people. Ranked #1 in the state for best schools, the County offers an award-winning vocational school system, a county college, and workforce development creating a unique ecosystem in which opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and find us on Facebook and Instagram.