Need A COVID Vaccine? This South Brunswick Woman Can Help

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Suzanne O'Rourke spends many late nights on her computer. Armed with a phone and group of volunteers, she helps South Brunswick seniors snag COVID-19 vaccine appointments every day.

She knows the system — slots open at a certain time and getting appointments is a hit or miss. The volunteers are in constant communication and update each other on the progress they have made.

“Sometimes the phone buzzes at 2 a.m. and we get up and go straight to our computers,” said O'Rourke.

It began in February when O'Rourke managed to secure vaccine appointments for her loved ones who qualified. She then joined the New Jersey COVID Vaccine Facebook group to help others with appointments.

“I then realized I could use my knowledge to help seniors in our community. That’s when I posted on the South Brunswick Community Facebook page, saying I can help qualifying residents secure an appointment,” she said.

Soon she was flooded by requests and once stayed up 72 hours straight scouring through the vaccine sites to book appointments.

While the rate of COVID-19 vaccinations in New Jersey increases, the Garden State continues to deal with issues in its vaccine rollout. Many seniors still find it hard to make appointments.

Over the past few months, many volunteer groups have stepped in to help residents secure appointments.

(South Brunswick residents getting their COVID vaccine shots after being helped by Suzanne O'Rourke and her group of volunteers)

Earlier O'Rourke would work on securing appointments by herself. But as more people began contacting her for help, she took on volunteers.

Today, eight volunteers have joined her, including Nicole Rose, Christine David Resnick, Regina Boudwin, Radhika Krishnan, Kavita Surve Pawale, Viji Rao and Supriya Nishikant.

The group has had great success in the township. With many seniors still unable to figure out the online scheduling system, they often call O'Rourke for help or send her a message through family members.

“When I was scheduling vaccine appointments for people across the state, it was very time consuming as I have to look at maps and figure out the area,” said O'Rourke.

“By limiting ourselves to South Brunswick, I can do it much more efficiently, quicker, and in bigger bulk.”

The group has helped hundreds of residents get vaccine appointments. And they are in no rush to stop despite the lack of sleep.

“It’s a labor of love. We are here to help our community,” said the mother of two.

O'Rourke often receives emails, phone calls and photos from residents who are grateful for her help.

“The other day the daughter of a 72-year-old contacted me and said her father was in tears when he got to know of the vaccine appointment,” she said.

“When somebody says they can finally visit their parents after not seeing them for a year, you know you’ve made a difference.”

O'Rourke and the volunteers communicate directly with those who seek appointments. They collect all relevant information and then work through the night to secure appointments.

The work requires tremendous amounts of dedication and sometimes it comes at the cost of family time.

“My meals have not been as creative the past few weeks. I'm doing a lot of repeat meals,” she said.

“The other day my son saw me and said I needed to sleep. He offered to help. I was tempted, but then there is a lot to do and no time to train him.”

The group’s work has not gone unnoticed by town officials. In a Nixle alert sent March 15, officials acknowledged the group’s efforts.

“Many residents have volunteered through social media and helped navigate the different vaccine websites which has created our vaccine rate. Thank you to all those who have given of their time to help,” officials said.

If you live in South Brunswick and qualify for the COVID-19 vaccine, click here to request help from O’Rourke and her volunteers.

O'Rourke reminds residents that volunteers never ask for a photo of drivers license, social security number, insurance information, or bank information. The service is free and anyone asking for money is not associated with O'Rourke and her group.

"We plan to help for a little while longer, but we truly hope the system gets more user-friendly so anyone who wants an appointment can book it on their own,” she said.

"I'm so thankful for the volunteers that have joined me in this effort, without them I wouldn't be nearly as far along as the list gets added to daily. There is no better feeling when we successfully secure a new appointment and someone lets us know we have made their day."

Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

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