2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-2019)
Weekly Update #58 – January 7, 2020

Signing up for COVID-19 Vaccination – NJVSS
New Jersey will roll out COVID-19 vaccines in a phased approach to all adults who live, work or are being educated in the state. Within 6 month, NJ plans to vaccinate about 70% of the adult population.
• Pre-Register for the Vaccine through NJVSS (NJ Vaccine Scheduling System) – Note: NJVSS is a new system and is being accessed by individuals all over the state. There may be delays and the site may move slowly. Please be patient when accessing NJVSS. https://covidvaccine.nj.gov/
• Learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccination – COVID19.NJ.GOV has been updated to include important information about the vaccine including how COVID-19 vaccines work, vaccine trials and safety precautions, timelines and priority groups, and where and how to get vaccinated. Visit athttps://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine
• Visit the New Jersey Department of Health – For more state specific information on the COVID-19 vaccine visit the NJDOH site.
• A letter about COVID-19 vaccination and a list of 1A vaccination sites throughout the state was sent to frontline health care workers (such as pharmacists, EMTs, and doulas) who may not be affiliated with hospitals. Non-affiliated frontline health care workers are eligible to receive vaccination in the Phase 1A and may get vaccinated at sites where they live or work. They should call the site directly for an appointment. 

UK COVID-19 Variant Strain Update
• The variant strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from the United Kingdom does not appear to cause more severe disease or death than the previous circulating strain. However, it does appear to have a higher rate of transmission, which could lead to more cases overall and more hospitalizations.
• The first case in the US was reported on 12/29/20 in Colorado. It is likely that additional cases of the UK variant will be reported in the US including NJ.
• Officials are working hard to better track and understand the new variant. As more is learned, information may change. Until then, people should continue public health measures to reduce the spread of disease.

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