Mount Laurel, New Jersey (WPVI) — As New Jersey celebrates the one-year anniversary of its first COVID-19 vaccination, the state is urging people to get boosters.
Dubbed “Boost NJ Day,” the state has asked vaccine clinics to expand hours and walk-in access on Wednesdays to encourage more people to come and get booster shots.
Since December 15, 2020, more than 14.5 million vaccinations have been administered statewide, including more than 590,000 in Burlington County.
To date, 73% of New Jersey residents are fully vaccinated, but only 36% of those eligible receive a booster.
Public health officials are trying to push those numbers up, especially considering the Omicron subspecies and weakened immunity.
“With cases rising, we know that immunity is weakening, so it’s important that more residents get boosters,” said Judy Persicily, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health. .
The state reported 1,698 hospitalizations this week. This is her best since April 27th.
“It cannot be overlooked that more cases are being identified among people who have completed the primary vaccination course, which may now be starting to decline. That’s why everyone who gets it needs to step up for a booster, said Gov. Phil Murphy.
Dr. Anthony Fauci says that even two doses of Pfizer or Moderna will reduce your defenses against infection.
Fauci added that protection against hospitalization and serious illness is also low, but improves significantly with boosters.
“Omicron spreads very quickly and it will be a challenge because the vaccine we use, the usual two doses of mRNA, is not very effective against the infection itself. If you do, it’s pretty good,” said Fauci.
The state has posted a list of clinics with no appointments available to make booster doses as available and accessible as possible.
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