COVID-19 Latest: New Jersey and Montgomery County, Pa. Expand vaccine deployments

TRENTON, New Jersey (WPVI) – Starting Thursday, people aged 65 and over and those with medical conditions can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine in New Jersey.

The news comes as the state administered around 264,000 doses of the vaccine.

“We are seeing the desire to see the capsules open to access a larger community for vaccinations,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

He added that the federal government’s decision not to withhold doses of the vaccine also influenced the decision.

SEE ALSO: New Jersey Expands Eligibility For COVID-19 Vaccinations

People aged 65 and over and people with health conditions in New Jersey had previously been 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’s website lists the qualifying medical conditions for people aged 16 to 64 in Group 1B as follows:

– Cancer
– Chronic kidney disease
– COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
– Down syndrome
– Heart disease, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
– Obesity (body mass index of 30 kg / m2 or more but – Severe obesity (BMI 40 kg / m2)
– Sickle cell disease
– To smoke
– Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Those wishing to make an appointment can access information on New Jersey vaccination sites here.

ShopRite, one of the locations where the vaccine will be administered, said Wednesday its appointment schedule was full.

A note on ShopRite’s vaccination website reads: “Due to overwhelming demand, our appointment schedule for the COVID-19 vaccine is FULL – there are currently no new appointments. available. Please check back at a later date. We are working hard to secure an additional vaccine and open appointment availability. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience. “

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania is also expanding its vaccine rollout. The county administered approximately 6,500 doses of the 10,000 doses it received from the federal government.

“I am so encouraged by the enthusiasm that so many people need to be vaccinated,” said Dr. Val Arkoosh, Montgomery County Health Commissioner.

People in Phases 1A, 1B and 1C include essential frontline workers, people 65 years of age and older, and people 16 to 64 years of age with high risk health conditions. Montgomery County lists these medical conditions as follows:
– Cancer
– Chronic kidney disease
– COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
– Down syndrome
– Heart disease, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
– Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) following a solid organ transplant
– Obesity (body mass index of 30 kg / m2 or more but – Severe obesity (BMI 40 kg / m2)
– Pregnancy
– Sickle cell disease
– To smoke
– Type 2 diabetes mellitus

To pre-register for the vaccine in Montgomery County, click on this link.

SEE ALSO: US calls on states to vaccinate all people over 65; do not withhold the 2nd dose