Answers to Your Questions About The Covid-19 Vaccine in NJ

The Light with Raymond Tyler

On January 26th, I took part in a conference call to discuss important information on the distribution of The Covid-19 vaccines available in New Jersey. On the call with us was Dr. David Adinaro, Deputy Commissioner, New Jersey Public Health Services.

Here are the answers he provided  that can help you feel safe and find out where you can get a vaccine, when and how it can be most effective.

Q– Who can get the vaccine in NJ?

Dr. Adinaro- We are hoping to get as many people that live and work in New Jersey vaccinated as the vaccine is available. This includes anyone over the age of 65; Health care workers (nurses, doctors but also health support staff such as security guards), people residing in long term care facilities and staff, as well as the population of those in jails/prisons (and their staff.) People that live and or work in NJ. People between the ages of 16 and 64 with pre-existing conditions are also eligible. And people that are educated in New Jersey.

Q– Is there a charge to get vaccinated?

Dr. Adinaro- There is no charge to the person being vaccinated. There should be no “out of pocket” charge to the person being vaccinated. The vaccine provider may bill your insurance company. The vaccine provider may ask if you have insurance.  Neither the vaccine provider or your insurance company should charge the person receiving the vaccine a copayment. While the vaccine provider may ask if you have insurance, they should not deny giving the vaccine if you do not have insurance.

Q-Where in Atlantic City/ Atlantic County can people get vaccinated?

According to Atlantic-County.org- The Atlantic City Convention Center is now open as an Atlantic County Regional Mega Site, where eligible residents may get vaccinated by appointment.

For other Covid 19 Vaccination sites please call  the NJ Vaccination Call Center at 855-568-0545.

Q-How soon after the first dose should you schedule your second vaccination?

Dr. Ardinaro-The second dose is important. You want to try and schedule your follow up at your first vaccination. If that’s not possible? Schedule the follow up as soon as you are able.

For more answers, for appointments and more. There are live people at the The NJ Vaccination Call Center between 8am and 8pm, the number again is 855-568-0545.

There is also a newsletter called VAX Matters which is free and you can sign up for that at this link  Department of Health | Communicable Disease Service | Subscribe to Vax Matters (nj.gov)

You can connect with Raymond Tyler via Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram @RaymondTyler2018.