All RWJBarnabas Hospitals Now Offering Third COVID Shot

NEW JERSEY — Effective immediately, all RWJBarnabas Health hospitals and vaccine clinics across the state are now offering a third dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

However, right now this third dose is only available to those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, said the health system, which serves as the second largest in the state.

Here is their criteria that would make one moderately or severely immunocompromised. You do not have to show a doctor's note of your medical condition. Schedule an appointment for a third shot by visiting www.rwjbh.org/covid19vaccine. You will be asked in the online screening about your immunocompromised status.

Vaccine clinics are available at all RWJBarnabas Health hospitals in New Jersey, except for RWJUH-Somerset.

RWJBarnabas is also requiring all hospital workers and staff to be vaccinated for coronavirus.

Earlier in August, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that people whose immune systems are moderately to severely compromised should receive a third dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna).

Just this week, Johnson & Johnson said it found evidence that a second booster shot provides enhanced protection for their one-shot vaccine, as well.

RWJ also said they are only giving third booster shots to people who have not received COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapy (Bamlanivimab, Casiriivimab-imdevimab or Bamlanivimab/Etesevimab) or passive antibody treatment (convalescent plasma) in that last 90 days.

In addition to all the RWJ hospitals in the state (except RWJ-Somerset), these are also RWJ vaccine sites:

• The vaccine clinic at the former Sears location at the Livingston Mall. RWJBarnabas Health professionals serve as vaccinators at this location.
• The Brookdale Community College site in Monmouth County.
• The Ocean County RWJ Barnabas Health Arena, 1245 Old Freehold Road in Toms River. Community Medical Center provides vaccinators at this location.

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