COVID-19 Booster Shots: Where To Find Them In East Brunswick

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Booster shots, available at pharmacies/clinics in East Brunswick, are the best defense against COVID-19 illnesses as the omicron variant of the coronavirus spreads across the country, according to health officials.

Breakthrough COVID-19 cases from the omicron variant — infections among the vaccinated — are less common among people who have received their third vaccination shots, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The omicron variant, first reported in South Africa on Nov. 24, has been detected in all but a handful of states, including New Jersey.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, said Friday the Pfizer and Moderna booster shots work well against the omicron variant and that there’s no need for a specific vaccine to fight it.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the omicron variant is likely to become the dominant coronavirus strain in the coming weeks. It currently represents 3 percent of new infections.

Public health officials are concerned that vaccination rates — currently 61 percent of eligible Americans are fully vaccinated, and only 28 percent have gotten booster shots — are insufficient to fend off a fifth wave of the coronavirus. COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are increasing, with about 120,000 new cases and 1,200 deaths reported each day, mainly from the delta variant.

To get a booster shot in East Brunswick, go to:

• Health First Pediatrics Association, 579 Cranbury Road
• Walmart Store 3078, 290 NJ-18, East Brunswick
• CVS #2815, 330 Rues Lane, East Brunswick
• Riverside Urgent Care of East Brunswick, 418 Nj 18, East Brunswick
• CVS #10047, 380 Route 18, East Brunswick

You can also visit the NJ Vaccine Appointment Finder for other available locations.

Meanwhile, East Brunswick is partnering with Parlin Rx to offer COVID-19 vaccinations, including pediatric doses. The clinics will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road. This event is by appointment only. Each person coming for a vaccine must bring a photo ID and their insurance card. Register here.

The CDC says Pfizer and Moderna booster shots both provide increased protection against COVID-19 and helped prevent severe symptoms in breakthrough cases.