As healthcare advocates, we are staying abreast of the latest COVID-19 news and will share some highlights here with you that we hope you find helpful, especially for those that live in our region, New Jersey.
Key NJ COVID-19 statistics all took a turn for the worse today, with new cases more than doubling, deaths spiking, and a continuing, but slow, increase in the number of coronavirus patients in New Jersey hospitals.” https://mailchi.mp/njspotlight/covid-numbers-bounce-back-up-tonights-spotlight?e=a026b7d416
Vaccine Dosing - there has been much discussion about altering the original dosing of the vaccine to “cover” more people. Here is part of the FDA statement and a link for the full article. FDA states, “at this time, suggesting changes to the FDA-authorized dosing or schedules of these vaccines is premature and not rooted solidly in the available evidence. Without appropriate data supporting such changes in vaccine administration, we run a significant risk of placing public health at risk, undermining the historic vaccination efforts to protect the population from COVID-19. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-statement-following-authorized-dosing-schedules-covid-19-vaccines
Vaccine Distribution – “Dozens of locations across New Jersey will distribute the coronavirus vaccine in the coming months, including several “mega sites” and ShopRite pharmacies.” https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2021/01/nj-covid-19-vaccine-heres-the-list-of-all-77-locations-providing-vaccinations.html
NJ Department of Health – this is an excellent resource for up-to-date news on COVID-19 testing and the vaccination plan. https://www.nj.gov/health/
Vaccination Plan – NJ is currently pre-registering residents to receive the vaccine. You can pre-register here https://covidvaccine.nj.gov/ . Vaccinations will occur in phases and based on the following group order:
Group 1a – healthcare workers and long-term care facilities
Group 1b – frontline workers and other essential workers
Group 1c – other essential workers, adults 65 and over, persons aged 16-64 with a medical condition that increases risk for severe COVID-19 as defined by the CDC
Phase 2 – general public
Stay safe and well and vaccine or no vaccine, please continue to social distance and wear your mask.