Photo by ED MURRAY/Gov. Phil Murphy bumps elbows with Elaine Lew before she receives the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), AFL-CIO were vaccinated at new Elizabeth Seaport vaccination site for port workers, in Elizabeth on April 6.
The Atlantic County COVID-19 Vaccination Megasite is providing a welcome solution to individuals frustrated with long waits. Thousands of appointments are available, including some same day appointments at the Atlantic City Convention Center, 1 Convention Blvd., Atlantic City.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has opened eligibility to individuals aged 16 and older as of April 19. AtlantiCare, which operates the site in collaboration with the state of New Jersey, the New Jersey National Guard and Atlantic County Health Department, anticipates slots filling up quickly and encourages individuals and families to schedule their vaccine appointments immediately at vaccination.atlanticare.org.
Murphy is scheduled to visit the Atlantic County megasite on Friday, he said during his COVID-19 briefing Wednesday afternoon.
Since opening on Jan. 22, the megasite has administered more than 169,500 vaccines, demonstrating extraordinary efficiency and operational integrity that is making a difference to residents throughout the state, according to a release.
Everything was running very smoothly when I got my first vaccine, Egg Harbor City resident Peter Gladue said. Parking attendants were very nice, they helped me find a close place to park. When people inside the convention center saw that I have a disability, they helped me to get to the elevator. They took care of me when I received my second dose with the same professionalism and courtesy. Getting vaccinated is something people should celebrate. I'm so grateful for what AtlantiCare and the entire megasite team are doing.
According to Atlantic County Public Health Officer Pat Diamond, 45% of adults have receive at least one shot, with the more than 4,000 shots being administered each day, she told the Board of Atlantic County Commissioners, Tuesday, April 6. The board passed a resolution honoring Diamond and the entire health team for their work testing residents for COVID-19 and administering vaccines.
Sadly, Diamond said there has been a 32% increase in COVID-19 positives over the last three weeks, mostly in people ages 30-50.
Appointments are required and can be scheduled online at vaccination.atlanticare.org. Individuals under age 18 wishing to be vaccinated must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Vaccinations are also available at select CVS Pharmacies, ShopRite stores and South Jersey Family Medical Centers. See https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/covid-19-vaccine-locations-for-eligible-recipients.
