Glen Howard, a 63-year-old resident of Marlton, New Jersey with high-risk health problems, stopped by the ShopRite supermarket in his neighborhood in hopes of getting a vaccine, but was told the pharmacy was not available.
“I thought I could come here for a chance,” Howard said. “Suddenly they have a list longer than my arm.”
ShopRite posted on its website that it is currently no longer planning COVID-19 vaccinations due to a full appointment schedule.
The message on ShopRite’s vaccination website reads, “Due to overwhelming demand, our COVID-19 Vaccine Schedule is FULL – no new appointments are currently available. Check back at a later date. We are working hard to get a complementary vaccine and open appointment available. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. “
Boyd’s Pharmacy in Marlton is also on solid track.
“We’re fully booked until the end of February, and that’s pending enough vaccines to take care of those people,” said pharmacist Marvin Wainwright.
His pharmacy received more than 100 calls on Wednesday night alone after news broke that Group 1B is now eligible for a vaccine in the state of New Jersey.
SEE ALSO: New Jersey Is Increasingly Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccinations
Wainwright is urging people to try to make their arrangements through the state’s website.
“Help us help you and try not to call the local pharmacy as we are not only trying to give the vaccines but we are also trying to meet the normal prescription needs of patients,” said Wainwright, adding that he and a colleague often come on their day off to help meet the demand for vaccines.
New Jersey administered approximately 264,000 doses of the vaccine.
“We saw a desire for pods to open up to a wider community for vaccinations,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
But some residents experience frustration with the online registration process.
“I don’t have a computer,” said Janis Moniot of Browns Mills, Burlington County. ‘And I don’t have a phone with a computer. So I can’t get anything that way. ‘
Governor Murphy added that the federal government’s decision not to withhold doses of the vaccine also affected the decision.
People 65 and older and people 16 to 64 years old with medical conditions in New Jersey were previously classified in Group 1C. They are now part of group 1B.
First responders are also part of group 1B.
Health workers are part of group 1A.
The state website lists the eligible medical conditions for people aged 16-64 under Group 1B as follows:
– 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 of 30 kg / m2 or higher, but – Severe obesity (BMI 40 kg / m2)
– Sickle cell disease
– To smoke
– Diabetes mellitus type 2
Those wishing to make an appointment can access information about vaccination sites in New Jersey here.
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania is also expanding vaccine rollout. The province administered approximately 6,500 doses out of the 10,000 doses it received from the federal government.
“I am so encouraged by the enthusiasm that so many people should be vaccinated,” said Dr. Val Arkoosh, Montgomery County Health Commissioner.
Those in stages 1A, 1B, and 1C include primary care workers, those 65 and older, and those aged 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions. Montgomery County lists those medical conditions as follows:
– Cancer
– Chronic kidney disease
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
– Down syndrome
Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
– Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) due to an organ transplant
– Obesity (body mass index of 30 kg / m2 or higher, but – Severe obesity (BMI 40 kg / m2)
– pregnancy
– Sickle cell disease
– To smoke
– Diabetes mellitus type 2
Click this link to pre-register for the vaccine in Montgomery County.
SEE ALSO: US Asks States to Vaccinate Everyone Over 65; Do not withhold the 2nd dose
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