Somerset County Department of Health Release New COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations

SOMERVILLE, NJ – The Somerset County Department of Health announces COVID-19 vaccination updates following new recommendations from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The new recommendations are issued in an effort to simplify the COVID-19 vaccination process, while allowing individuals who are at higher risk for illness additional protection against COVID-19.

“The COVID-19 virus still poses a serious risk to Americans’ health and lives and we all need to continue to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” said Somerset County Commissioner Deputy Director Doug Singleterry, liaison to the Department of Health. “The virus continues to mutate, and the Somerset County Department of Health is dedicated to ensuring that up-to-date vaccines and recommendations are available to all residents.”

The following updates include:

• Adults ages 65 years and older and individuals who are immunocompromised may receive an additional updated bivalent vaccine dose.
• The original monovalent COVID-19 mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are no longer recommended for use, replaced by the updated, bivalent versions released in August 2022.
• Everyone six years and older should receive one updated bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of if they completed their monovalent primary series.
• Individuals ages six years and older who have already received a dose of the updated bivalent vaccine do not need an additional dose of the updated bivalent booster unless they are 65 years or older or immunocompromised.
• For young children under six years old, multiple doses continue to be recommended and will vary by age, vaccine, and which vaccines were previously received.

The Novavax and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccines are not affected by the changes. For recommendations and eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html.

All Somerset County COVID-19 vaccination clinics are listed at SoCoNJ.gov/vaxclinics. Residents who are unable to visit a community COVID-19 vaccination clinic can call or text (844) 569-0390 to schedule an appointment for a vaccine, as the SCDOH continues to vaccinate homebound individuals and families.

All residents should continue to follow the below recommendations to help protect themselves and others from COVID-19:

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters.
• Avoid poorly ventilated spaces & crowds.
• Move activities outside, when possible.
• Monitor health daily and stay home when sick.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms.
• Follow recommendations if you’ve been exposed.

It is important to stay informed through reliable resources. Follow public health experts such as the CDC at www.cdc.gov, the New Jersey Department of Health at https://www.nj.gov/health/ and the Somerset County Department of Health at SoCoNJ.gov/health.

The Somerset County Department of Health is the lead agency for public health emergency preparedness and response in Somerset County. Funding for these activities is provided by the CDC’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement through the New Jersey Department of Health.

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