COVID-19 Last: New Jersey and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Expand Vaccine Expansion

TRENTON, New Jersey (WPVI) – As of Thursday, people 65 and older, and people with medical conditions, can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine in New Jersey.

The news comes as the state has administered approximately 264,000 doses of the vaccine.

“We see the desire for pods to open up access to a wider community for vaccinations,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

He added that the decision of the federal government not to withhold the doses of the vaccine also influenced the decision.

SEE ALSO: Extending Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccinations in New Jersey

People 65 and older and people with medical conditions in New Jersey were previously classified in group 1C. They are now part of group 1B. First responders are also part of group 1B. Healthcare workers are part of group 1A.

The state’s website contains the following suitable medical conditions for people aged 16-64 under group 1B:

– Cancer
– Chronic kidney disease
– COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
– Down syndrome
– Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy
Obesity (body mass index of 30 kg / m2 or higher, but – severe obesity (BMI 40 kg / m2)
– Sickle cell disease
– Smoke
– Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Those looking to make an appointment can get information here for vaccination sites in New Jersey.

ShopRite, one of the places where the vaccine is administered, said on Wednesday that the appointment schedule is full.

A comment on ShopRite’s vaccination website reads: ‘Due to overwhelming demand, our COVID-19 appointment plan for the vaccine is FULL – there are currently no new appointments available. Come see again later. We are working hard to ensure extra vaccine and to open appointment availability. We are sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. ‘

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, is also expanding vaccine expansion. The province administered approximately 6,500 doses out of the 10,000 doses it received from the federal government.

“I am so encouraged by the enthusiasm that so many people need to be vaccinated,” said Dr. Val Arkoosh, Montgomery County Health Commissioner.

Those present in phases 1A, 1B and 1C include essential frontline workers, people aged 65 and over and people aged 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions. Montgomery County lists the medical conditions as follows:
– Cancer
– Chronic kidney disease
– COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
– Down syndrome
– Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy
– Immuno-compromised state (weakened immune system) due to solid organ transplantation
Obesity (body mass index of 30 kg / m2 or higher, but – severe obesity (BMI 40 kg / m2)
– Pregnancy
– Sickle cell disease
– Smoke
– Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Click this link to pre-register for the Montgomery County vaccine.

SEE ALSO: US asks states to vaccinate everyone over 65; do not withhold 2nd dose

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