NEW JERSEY (WABC) Governor Phil Murphy on Friday defended the decision to move smokers into the category now allowed to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. I must push back on the false narrative that we re vaccinating smokers while not vaccinating another group, he said. We have a limited supply of vaccines from the federal government, roughly 100,000 additional doses coming in per week. Our first priority must be to vaccinate those at higher risk due to age or other health factors that put them at a greater vulnerability for severe COVID.
He went on to say that COVID is a respiratory illness, which puts smokers at higher risk and thus puts them in compliance with CDC guidance.
Murphy said he hopes to have that entire group vaccinated by the end of February. I hope it isn t six months, I hope it isn t that long, he said. There is conviction that wasn t there even a short while ago, that the supplies will be there. There is an enormous supply demand right now, which is your point, and is the right one and the fair one. The feds, both the current administration and the incoming administration, and our assessment is that will begin, and I say begin, it will balance out. I think you get through the next six to eight weeks, we are in a dramatically different place, and that will be good news.
Murphy said he hopes to have that entire group vaccinated by the end of February. I hope it isn t six months, I hope it isn t that long, he said. There is conviction that wasn t there even a short while ago, that the supplies will be there. There is an enormous supply demand right now, which is your point, and is the right one and the fair one. The feds, both the current administration and the incoming administration, and our assessment is that will begin, and I say begin, it will balance out. I think you get through the next six to eight weeks, we are in a dramatically different place, and that will be good news.
Both Brandi Patterson and her husband had COVID in April, however, he did not survive. When my husband got sick at the very last minute, he was able to get the convalescent plasma, but was too late, Patterson said. But I wanted to make it my mission to donate as much plasma as I can to help the next person.
AlTerek Patterson, 38, was a beloved member of the Bedminster Police Department for 16 years a sergeant with a big heart. It really hurt the department, Detective Paul Piano said.
And now, the police department, his widow and the community come together to honor him, with monthly American Red Cross blood drives.
Medical staff is giving out the shots at the veterans home, which along with two other state-run facilities was the epicenter of a crisis that included the deaths of more than 200
A total of six mega sites will open in the coming weeks, in addition to the more than 100 vaccination sites statewide available in 20 of New Jersey s 21 counties.
New Jersey Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli says mass vaccinations will allow the state to use up its supply of vaccines. These mega-sites will be able to handle a large volume of individuals as we continue to move through eligible phases of vaccination toward the general public, she said. The sites are part of a growing network of community-based sites that will help ensure fair and equitable access and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines.