Burlington County Clinic Set For Boost NJ Day

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — The Burlington County Health Department will host a special COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Wednesday as the state recognizes one year of vaccine availability, county officials announced on Tuesday.

The clinic takes place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Burlington County Emergency Services Training Center, 53 Academy Drive in Westampton. Vaccinations will be available at for anyone 5 or older, and boosters will be available for people 16 or older. People seeking a booster should bring proof of their previous vaccination record.

It's part of the statewide Boost NJ event, in which the state Department of Health is working with more than 2,000 vaccination sites to offer expanded walk-in availability and extended hours to increase vaccine accessibility. Read more here: COVID Booster Shots Now Available For More NJ Teens

In the one year since vaccines became available, more than 14.5 million doses of vaccine have been administered across New Jersey, including more than 590,000 in Burlington County, according to officials.

“We’ve made lots of progress over the past year in our collective battle against COVID-19 and the vaccines have made it possible for most of us to enjoy a low-risk holiday together,” Burlington County Health Director Dr. Herb Conaway said. “However, that doesn’t mean we can let our guard down entirely during the holidays. We’ve started to see the numbers of new cases rise again, so we’re reminding residents to be mindful and take precautions while traveling, shopping or attending gatherings.”

"Walk-in availability and extended hours are important to make access to boosters as easy as possible," State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said on Monday. "With cases increasing, it is critical that more residents get boosters because we know immunity is waning."

The event will also see the opening of a new COVID-19 vaccination megasite will open in the former Lord & Taylor store at the Bridgewater Commons Mall in Somerset County, State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced. It will be the third megasite reopened in the Garden State, following the reopening of sites in Gloucester and Burlington counties.

The Burlington County megasite is open at the former AC Moore store, 1190 Nixon Drive, in the Eastgate Shopping Center in Mount Laurel. It is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A limited number of walk-ins are accepted, so residents are encouraged to make appointments through the Virtua vaccine appointment portal at https://www.virtua.org/vaccine.

“We know vaccines will lose a lot of their effectiveness, so it’s really important for those who are eligible to get that booster as soon as possible,” Conaway said. “If you received two doses of a vaccine, boost your protection after six months. If you received one dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, boost your protection after two months with any of the approved vaccines. The best way to keep yourself and your family, friends and loved ones safe during the holidays is to get a booster.”

Officials urge everyone, whether they have been vaccinated or not, to wear a mask in public. This is particularly important for seniors and others who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 and complications, officials said.

Those hosting holiday gatherings should be mindful of the increased risks posed to seniors and other vulnerable persons if they are inside among unvaccinated guests, officials said. Anyone who is feeling sick should stay home. Washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizer is also recommended.

There are a number of locations where testing is offered, including local pharmacies, health care providers and the Burlington County testing site. The county test site is now in the Willingboro Town Center complex, 4390 Route 130 North. Hours are Mondays, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 6 p.m.

Testing is available to all Burlington County residents ages 5 and older and to those who work or go to school in the county. Those who are insured must present their insurance cards, but all can receive testing without out-of-pocket costs. Walk-ups are welcome, but appointments are encouraged and can be made at www.burlingtoncountytesting.org. Test results are typically returned within 24 to 48 hours.

“Testing remains one of our most important tools to fight COVID-19 because it helps us identify and isolate those who have become exposed or infected to prevent further spread,” Conaway said. “With the winter surge we’re now seeing and the unknowns surrounding the new Omicron variant, it’s more important than ever for those with symptoms, or who have been in close contact with someone infected, to get tested right away. We would also encourage residents to get tested before and after family gatherings or if they’ve spent time in a high-risk setting, such as a large event or crowded location.”

Residents are also urged to get a flu shot. A schedule of the Health Department’s remaining flu shot clinics is available at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/12018/Flu-Shot-Brochure-2021-2022?bidId=

“While the flu vaccine will not protect residents from COVID-19, it’s still incredibly important for people to get it because influenza is circulating and can pose a danger,” Conaway said. “We don’t want people coming down with both flu and COVID-19, and we don’t want to have a surge of influenza cases tax our health systems at the same time we’re seeing a rise in COVID-19 infections.”

“From testing, contact-tracing, administering vaccines and assisting our schools and long-term care facilities, our Health Department has worked tirelessly to ensure our residents have access to all available protections,” Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Dan O’Connell, liaison to the Health Department, said. “We’re asking everyone to remain vigilant and follow some simple precautions to help ensure everyone can enjoy a safe and healthy holiday.”

This article originally appeared on the Cinnaminson Patch