32% Of Wayne Received COVID Booster, Township Wants That Higher

WAYNE, NJ — Thirty-two percent of Wayne has received a COVID-19 booster shot. But that township wants to see that number grow.

Wayne could see the figure increase when the township participates Wednesday in Boost NJ Day. The statewide initiative — held on the one-year anniversary of New Jersey's first administered COVID vaccinations — represents a push to get more shots in arms as infections spike across the Garden State.

The township will offer COVID vaccinations — first, second and booster shots — Wednesday at the Municipal Building. Health officials will offer all three available COVID vaccines — Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

"Only 32% of Wayne residents have received their COVID-19 booster," the township's announcement said. "We need to do better to keep the spread of COVID-19 in check."

The Food and Drug Administration approved Pfizer booster shots for people 16 and older and Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters for adults. Those who received the Pfizer or Moderna shots should receive a booster at least six months after their initial vaccine course, according to the CDC. Patients who got the Johnson & Johnson shot should get a booster at least two months after their first vaccination, the agency says.

See more info from the CDC about COVID booster shots.

Coronavirus spread has sharply increased locally and throughout the state. The New Jersey Department of Health elevated Passaic County into the "high-risk" category of COVID-19 activity in its latest weekly report. The rest of the state has high-risk virus activity levels, as well, according to the agency.

The spike in cases, increased quarantine requirements and staffing difficulties could mean "disruptions" to education at Wayne schools, Superintendent Dr. Mark Toback warned in a Monday letter.

"My goal with writing today was not to create alarm, but instead to create awareness and allow families to make plans in the event of a COVID-related disruption," Toback said. Read more: COVID, Staffing Issues Could Cause 'Disruptions' At Wayne Schools

Sixty-seven percent of Wayne residents and 78 percent of the township's adults previously completed their first course of COVID vaccinations, according to the state health department.

Some COVID vaccine sites have walk-ins available. But to make an appointment, visits New Jersey's vaccine appointment finder.

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