The first of two major expansions this month of being eligible for COVID-19 vaccine in New Jersey begins Monday with transportation workers and several other groups now able to plan shots, though appointments are hard to come by.
Government Phil Murphy announced the expansion earlier this month and initially included teachers and daycare workers in Monday’s group, but they were eligible for immediate after a federal mandate last week.
President Joe Biden said in a national speech on Thursday that he plans to enable all adults to take vaccinations by May 1 and get the country closer to normal by the fourth of July.
The people who can plan a shot in New Jersey from today include, according to the state’s website:
- Motor Vehicle Commission workers
- NJ Transit workers and other transport workers
- Public and local transport workers, including bus, taxi, ride-sharing and airport staff
- All public safety personnel who have not yet been eligible, such as probation officers, child protection service workers and probation officers.
- Members of tribal communities
- Migrating farm workers
- Homeless people and people living in shelters for homeless or domestic violence
In addition, the medical conditions that affect people between the ages of 16 and 64 on Monday extend to the following:
- Asthma (moderate to severe)
- Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Neurological conditions, such as dementia
- Liver disease
- Overweight (BMI older than 25)
- Pulmonary fibrosis (with damaged or scar tissue)
- Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus
- Note: People who are in an immune-weakened state (weakened immune system) due to blood or bone marrow transplantation, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids or the use of other immunosuppressive drugs are also eligible, but must follow CDC guidance and first vaccinate with them medical provider before receiving the vaccine.
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The list that was previously contains:
- Healthcare workers
- People living and working in long-term care and high-risk housing come together
- First respond
- People 65 and older
- People 16 to 64 who have certain medical conditions
These medical conditions include:
- 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 [BMI] of 30 kg / m2 or higher, but <40 kg / m2)
- Severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg / m2)
- Sickle cell disease
- Smoke
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Note: People who are pregnant and who are in an immune-weakened state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplantation are also eligible, but must follow CDC guidelines and first discuss the vaccination with their medical provider before receiving the vaccination.
Later in the month, which starts on March 29, essential workers in the following categories will also be eligible:
- Food production, agriculture and food distribution;
- Elderly care and support
- Warehouse and logistics
- Social services support staff
- Election staff
- Hospitality
- Medical supply chain
- Post and delivery services
- Clergy
- Legal system
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Matt Arco can be reached at [email protected].