Let’s Talk Turkey: Somerset County Expanding COVID Vaccination Clinics for the Holidays
As Family and Friends Gather, County Urges Everyone to Be Vaccinated and Boosted To Protect Themselves and Loved Ones
SOMERVILLE, NJ – The Somerset County Department of Health (SCDOH) is expanding its COVID vaccination efforts as the holiday season approaches with large indoor festivities. COVID is most easily passed from person to person indoors, and the best protection is to be fully vaccinated and boosted with the recently released bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.
“This is the most wonderful time of the year, but let’s talk Turkey: to enjoy it as much as possible we all need to protect each other by getting our COVID vaccinations and boosters,” said Commissioner Doug Singleterry, liaison to the SCDOH. “We’re expanding our mobile clinics through the season to make it as easy as possible, and there are also many pharmacies and other clinics available to vaccinate anyone who wants to be vaccinated.”
The SCDOH will continue to operate its clinic at the Senior Wellness Center in Bridgewater and is partnering with Mobile Medical Services & Technology (MMST) to provide COVID-19 vaccines at mobile clinics throughout Somerset County. The COVID-19 vaccination clinics are currently scheduled for:
Somerset County Senior Wellness Center - 876 E Main St, Bridgewater
Wednesday November 16, November 30, December 14 and December 28 from 4:00-7:30pm
Somerville YMCA - 2 Green Street, Somerville
Saturday, November 19th, December 3rd, December 17th from 1:30-3:30pm
United Reformed Church –100 W Main Street, Somerville
Thursday November 10th, Tuesday November 22nd, Thursday December 8th, Thursday December 22nd from 4:00-7:00pm
All SCDOH COVID-19 vaccination clinics are listed at SoCoNJ.gov/vaxclinics. The Somerset County Department of Health continues to vaccinate homebound individuals and families. Residents who are unable to visit a community COVID-19 vaccination location can call or text (844) 569-0390 to schedule an appointment for a vaccine.
Vaccines for all approved age groups will be available at the mobile sites, including Pfizer-BioNTech for children six months to four years, Moderna for children six months to five years, updated bivalent boosters. Individuals eligible for an updated bivalent COVID-19 booster must bring proof of vaccination to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Any individual who is still unvaccinated may receive the two-dose primary series.
Additionally, the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine will be available as a primary series for those 12 years and older. Individuals who are unwilling or unable to receive an mRNA vaccine due to a history of a severe allergic reaction, the Novavax COVID-19 monovalent booster will be available to those 18 years and older that have completed their primary series vaccination at least 6 months ago and have not previously received a COVID-19 booster.
COVID-19 vaccines and boosters continue to be highly effective at protecting against severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to the virus. It’s important to stay up to date with vaccinations to protect your family and friends from the virus this upcoming holiday season.
While enjoying holiday traditions and celebrations with your loved ones, remember to follow these tips:
-Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
-Avoid poorly ventilated spaces & crowds
-Move celebrations outdoors when possible
-Monitor health daily and stay home when sick
-Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
-Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms
-Follow recommendations if you’ve been exposed
-If you plan to travel during the holidays, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html for the most up-to-date information.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends considering additional prevention actions when COVID-19 Community Levels are at a “medium” or “high”, such as wearing a well-fitted mask and maintaining distance from others.
It is important to stay informed through reliable resources. Follow public health experts such as the CDC at www.cdc.gov, the New Jersey Department of Health at www.nj.gov/health and the Somerset County Department of Health at SoCoNJ.gov/health.
The Somerset County Department of Health is the lead agency for public health emergency preparedness and response in Somerset County. Funding for these activities is provided by the CDC’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement through the New Jersey Department of Health.
To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe