2nd COVID-19 Vaccine Emails Going Out In Ocean; 1st Shots Scarce

Karen Wall
·6 min read

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Ocean County residents who received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine through the Ocean County Health Department should watch their email, as notifications about their second doses of the vaccine are being sent out.

While some are preparing to receive their second dose, county health officials are urging those who are still seeking their first dose to be patient.

"Due to overwhelming demand, our COVID-19 vaccine appointment schedule is BOOKED — there are currently no new appointments available at the Toms River High School North and Southern Regional Middle School locations," a post on the department's Facebook page reads. Officials urge people to check back frequently for new appointments.

The county added the Southern Regional Middle School site late last week, but appointments there filled immediately.

As of Wednesday, the county health department has distributed a little more than 9,000 doses, officials said.

County officials have said they could vaccinate 2,000 people per day if they received enough doses of the vaccine to do that. The county makes requests weekly and the state supplies what it can, said Brian Lippai, public information officer for the county health department. He said plans are in the works to provide more vaccine as more shipments are delivered from the manufacturers in the coming weeks.

Lippai said the county anticipates receiving projected numbers of doses for future deliveries as the amount of vaccine expands, which will allow the health department to plan clinics and appointments accordingly.

"Right now we book appointments knowing the vaccine we have on hand and once our supplies run out, we have to close the appointment scheduling website calendar," Lippai said. "Now we can at least anticipate what's coming or not coming."

For now, patience is still key.

"We kindly ask that people please do not call the Ocean County Health Department to make a first/second dose appointment or to be put on a waiting list," the health department said. "(The health department) is working diligently to secure more vaccine and provide residents with expanded appointments and additional clinics throughout Ocean County."

Here are answers to frequently asked questions, from the Ocean County Health Department.

Q: Why are there no appointments available at either health department clinic?

A: The OCHD — like many clinics in the area — are working with a limited amount of vaccine. Right now there is much more demand for appointments than vaccine available for everyone that wants the shot. The OCHD anticipates receiving additional doses in the coming weeks and will expand appointment scheduling at that time.

Q: Who is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

A: Vaccines are available to paid and unpaid health care workers, residents and staff of long-term and congregate-care facilities, first responders including sworn law enforcement and fire professionals, individuals over 65, and individuals 16 to 64 with certain medical conditions as defined by the CDC that increase the risk of severe illness from the virus will be eligible. Visit the CDC website for more information.

Q: I preregistered for the COVID-19 vaccine with the state. Does that mean I automatically have an appointment for a vaccine with OCHD when I am eligible?

A: It's important to understand that the state and county sites are separate and when you become eligible for the vaccine you will need to sign up at the www.ochd.org website to make an appointment for the Ocean County clinic. However, we kindly ask for your patience as we are experiencing much-higher demand than supply of vaccine at the moment. We anticipate that changing soon. We've been currently vaccinating more than 500 people a day. We appreciate you frustration but we please ask that you understand this massive undertaking to vaccinate 600,000 Ocean County residents and thousands of non-residents.

Q: Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine in the state of New Jersey?

A: Qualified recipients can schedule an appointment to receive a vaccine at any COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic located in New Jersey – regardless of what county you live in. A complete list of COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics available in New Jersey.

Q: I received a confirmation screen for my appointment at the OCHD Vaccination Clinic. However, I did not receive a confirmation email. Do I still have an appointment?

A: Yes, you still have an appointment scheduled even if you did not receive a confirmation email. A confirmation email might be delayed due to technical difficulties. Second-dose emails are currently going out and should be received over the next several days.

Q: Do I need a doctor’s script or a medical note to get vaccinated?

A: No, a doctor’s script or medical note is not needed to get vaccinated at this time.

Q: When will the OCHD Vaccination Clinic open at Southern Regional?

A: This clinic is currently open and is operating on Tuesday and Saturday during the week of January 17. However, appointments are also full at this clinic location. Please check back for news regarding additional clinics and more appointment availability. Please continue to follow us here on our Facebook page and on our website at www.ochd.org for the latest information.

Q: I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from OCHD, but I did not receive the email containing the link to reserve my second appointment. Does this mean I won’t be able to schedule an appointment?

A: Emails for people that received the first dose and are awaiting the "next day email" that contains the link to reserve a second appointment are currently being sent out over the next several days. Please do not worry if you do not receive one right away.

Q: I received my first dose. How long do I have to wait to schedule my second dose?

A: The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is two doses given at least 21 days apart and the Moderna vaccine is two doses given at least 28 days apart.

Q: Is the COVID-19 vaccine free? What if I don't have insurance?

A: No one will have to pay for the vaccine itself. The COVID-19 vaccine is available without cost-sharing barriers. Based on the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider Agreement, all providers must vaccinate individuals regardless of whether they have health insurance coverage or what type of coverage they have, and are prohibited from balance billing or otherwise charging vaccine recipients.

COVID-19 CLINIC LOCATIONS LOCATED IN OCEAN COUNTY:
(Clinic appointments may be limited we appreciate your patience)

NJ MEGA SITES

  • Atlantic County: Atlantic City Convention Center

  • Bergen County: Racetrack at Meadowlands, East Rutherford

  • Burlington County: Moorestown Mall

  • Gloucester County: Rowan College of South Jersey, Sewell

  • Middlesex County: New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, Edison

  • Morris County: Rockaway Townsquare

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This article originally appeared on the Toms River Patch