TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is once again boosted with a COVID-19 vaccination. At his annual flu shot appointment, the New Jersey Governor took another jab of the COVID-19 vaccine and his Department of Health is urging New Jerseyans to follow his lead.
TRENTON, NJ – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended new COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older, a move echoed by the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH). These vaccines aim to provide the most current protection against the virus and its variants.
According to the Centers For Disease Control, the COVID-19 vaccines do not protect against the spread of the COVID-19 virus, or even from infection, but could lessen the complications once infected.
“COVID 19-vaccines are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and dying. Vaccination remains the safest strategy for avoiding hospitalizations, long-term health outcomes, and death,” the CDC states in its stance on the matter. Many people who received the first rounds of the vaccine ended up getting infected, some multiple times afterward.
The Murphy administration’s recommendation comes from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and follows regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston emphasized the ongoing public health concern posed by COVID-19. “This new vaccine provides updated protections and can be easily received at the same time as your annual flu shot,” she said. The NJDOH continues its efforts to ensure accessibility of the new vaccine across the state, particularly for vulnerable populations and those with limited insurance coverage.
This time, the government isn’t paying for your vaccination unless you are uninsured or underinsured.
The 2023-2024 Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will transition to the commercial market, meaning they will be purchased, distributed, and administered like other vaccines, including the annual flu shot. Previous versions of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are no longer authorized for use.
The vaccines are expected to be available in some New Jersey locations by the end of the week and throughout the state in the coming weeks. Vaccines will be accessible from various sites, including primary care providers, chain pharmacies, and Federally Qualified Health Centers.
Children under 19 who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid-eligible will have access to the vaccine through the New Jersey Vaccines for Children Program. Additionally, adults 19 and older who are uninsured or underinsured can obtain the vaccine at no cost through the federal Bridge Access Program. These vaccines will be distributed to local health departments and certain nonprofit organizations through the 317 Adult Vaccine Program. Pharmacies will also stock Bridge-funded vaccines for adults lacking sufficient insurance coverage.