Somerset County Teachers 'Welcome' Murphy's Vaccination Expansion

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — The Somerset County Education Association(SCEA) "welcomes" Gov. Phil Murphy's decision Monday to expand COVID-19 vaccine availability to teachers and daycare workers.

"We welcome Governor Murphy’s announcement today and recognition of the critical importance of vaccine access for school employees. Ensuring access to the vaccine is the quickest way to assist with providing stability to our students, safety to our members and a major step towards the normalcy that all of New Jersey is seeking during this difficult time," said Henry Goodhue, SCEA first vice president.

"We look forward to further actions that will provide more efficient access to vaccines for all interested parties, including higher education employees, and applaud the Governor for taking this important step," Goodhue continued.

Murphy made the announcement on Twitter on Monday. Starting on March 15, the following essential workers will be eligible:

• Pre-K to 12 educators and support staff
• Child care workers
• Transportation workers
• Additional public safety workers

Read More: COVID-19 Vaccines To Expand To NJ Teachers, Daycare Workers

The SCEA, which represents more than 7,000 public school employees in Somerset County, sent a letter to Murphy last week calling on him to prioritize public school employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine now. Read More: Vaccinate Somerset County Teachers Now, Letter To Murphy Says

"Public schools are the lifeblood of our society. Reopening safely is imperative for New Jersey to move forward educationally, economically, socially, and emotionally," according to the letter.

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