Bloomfield Mayor Says Get COVID-19 Vaccine If You Qualify

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia issued a plea to local residents on Thursday as coronavirus cases spike across the state: get a COVID-19 vaccination if you qualify.

On Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy and state officials announced that a new category of residents are eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Read More: NJ Expands COVID Vaccine To 65 & Older, Those With Medical Issues

Bloomfield's mayor welcomed the news in a statement on Thursday.

“The past 10 months have been incredibly challenging for our community however, the vaccine gives us hope that this will soon be behind us,” Venezia said.

“It is imperative that everyone get the vaccine as soon as they are eligible so that we can move forward without any more loss of life,” Venezia continued. “The vaccine is safe and is free of charge whether you have health insurance or not.”

Bloomfield Township officials shared the following details about getting vaccinated through Essex County's program. Read More: Here's How Bloomfield Residents Can Get COVID-19 Vaccinations

HOW IT WORKS

To get a vaccine, an appointment is required. Please visit essexcovid.org to schedule your vaccine or, call 973-877-8456. You will receive follow-up instructions via text message or email.

For additional information on vaccination distribution and general COVID-19 inquiries, visit https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/slowing-the-spread/who-is-eligible-for-vaccination-in-new-jersey-who-is-included-in-the-vaccination-phases.

Vaccine distribution information is ever evolving. Essex County is currently distributing the Moderna vaccine which is specifically for those ages 18 and older. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for persons 16 years of age and older, under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization.

Not all sites administer both vaccines, so it is important to understand before scheduling that only those vaccination sites with Pfizer vaccine can immunize those that are 16 and 17 years of age. Contact the county at 973-877-8456 to see what alternate plans have been made for those who are 16 and 17 years of age.

DO YOU QUALIFY?

Previously, New Jersey only provided vaccines to health-care professionals and long-term-care employees, along with some long-term care residents. Then, last week, the state expanded availability for police and firefighters, signaling a shift from Phase 1A to 1B of New Jersey's vaccination plan.

State officials, however, didn't fully move into Phase 1B, which includes frontline essential workers and other high-risk groups, including teachers.

On Wednesday, officials announced that the eligibility list has grown yet again. Now, seniors over 65 and people with medical conditions that put them at risk from the virus qualify for a shot.

Eligible conditions include:

• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• COPD
• Down syndrome
• Heart conditions
• Obesity
• Sickle cell anemia
• Type 2 diabetes
• Smoking
• Individuals who are pregnant
• Those in an immunocompromised state and a weakened immune system because of issues such as an organ transplant

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