“Dear Partners,
We want to be sure you heard the Governor’s announcement today that we have opened additional access to vaccines. As of Thursday morning, people 65 years and older, as well as people 16-64 with risk factors are eligible to receive the vaccine.
Individuals at High Risk are defined as: (Phase 1B) (effective 1/14/21)Individuals aged 65 and older, and individuals ages 16-64 with medical conditions, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that increase the risk of severe illness from the virus. These conditions include: Cancer, Chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), Down Syndrome, Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies, Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2), Severe Obesity (BMI ? 40 kg/m2), Sickle cell disease, Smoking, Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Individuals who are pregnant and those in an immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant are also eligible but should follow CDC guidance and first discuss vaccination with their medical provider before receiving the vaccine. Source: https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/slowing-the-spread/who-is-eligible-for-vaccination-in-new-jersey-who-is-included-in-the-vaccination-phases
It is important to note that this reflects an additional part of 1b gaining access to the vaccine. There have been no further determinations by the NJDOH about other groups listed in 1b by ACIP (Federal recommendations). As soon as those determinations are made we will share them with you.
As always, we direct you to the covid19.nj website for additional information and the vaccine registration link. The link is: https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine. The state registration system, known as NJVSS, will be sending out notices to all those who previously registered and now qualify (based on birth year entered and the questions you answered). That email will provide you with information to make an appointment.
A full list of vaccination sites, and how best to register for them, can be found here: https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/covid-19-vaccine-locations-for-eligible-recipients
All registration sites are adjusting to include the new parts of 1b now eligible and should allow these new groups starting Thursday. It is possible that some sites may take a bit more time to adjust, so please be patient. If you visit a registration site tomorrow that is not yet expanded the eligibility, please feel free to let us know.
We have attached a slide of current eligibility which we invite you to share on social media, through emails and any other platform you can use.
As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Deborah
Deborah E. Cornavaca
Deputy Chief of Staff for Outreach
Office of the Governor – State of NJ
225 West State Street
PO Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625″
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