COVID Vaccine Boosters Available Through Ocean County Health Dept

TOMS RIVER, NJ — If you have been searching for a booster shot of one of the COVID-19 vaccines, the Ocean County Health Department now has all three available.

The health department said it now has the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines at its vaccination clinics in the county. The federal Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for Moderna and J&J as boosters last week.

"We knew this news was coming in some form a few weeks back so we’ve been prepared to offer all three of the boosters to Ocean County residents at our COVID-19 and seasonal flu clinics," said Daniel Regenye, the health department's public health coordinator/health officer. "We encourage eligible residents to get their boosters – especially in time for the holiday season."

The following people who received a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are eligible for a booster shot at six months or more after their initial series:

• 65 years and older
• 18 or older who live in long-term care settings
• 18 or older who have underlying medical conditions
• 18 or older who work or live in high-risk settings

The authorization also recommends that everyone ages 18 and older who received a first Johnson & Johnson dose receive a booster dose at least two months after completing the single-dose primary regimen.

The recommendations allow people to choose a booster in the same vaccine they received the first time or may choose a different vaccine for their booster, officials said.

The health department asks that residents bring their vaccination records with them when they come to receive their booster shot.

The health department has clinics Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the RWJ Barnabas Health Arena at Toms River High School North on Old Freehold Road, and on Tuesdays from 3-7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Southern Regional Middle School in Manahawkin. You can register for a vaccine appointment on the Ocean County Health Department website. Additional clinic dates can be found here.

The Ocean County Health Department also has its flu vaccination clinics operating: Ocean County Flu Vaccine Clinic Schedule For 2021

The Ocean County Health Department also is continuing to urge residents to get vaccinated, including 12- to 17-year-olds.

"We are also looking ahead and expect more news from the CDC regarding a COVID-19 vaccine for children and will keep everyone informed as we learn more," Regenye said. "In the meantime, the health department encourages all children from 6 months and up – including adults - to get their seasonal flu vaccine. The vaccines are safe and effective protection for you, your family, and our communities here in Ocean County."

The health department asks that residents bring their vaccination records with them when they come to receive their booster shot. For a schedule of upcoming clinics or to schedule a COVID-19 appointment, visit www.ochd.org.

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