Glen Howard, a 63-year-old Marlton, New Jersey resident with high-risk health conditions, was stopped by the ShopRite supermarket in his neighborhood, hoping to receive a vaccine, only to be told that the pharmacy did not has availability.
“I thought I could come and shoot myself here,” Howard said. “Suddenly, they have a longer list than my arm.”
ShopRite posted on its website that it is no longer scheduling COVID-19 vaccinations due to a full schedule.
The message on the vaccination website ShopRite says: “Due to overwhelming demand, our COVID-19 vaccine schedule is COMPLETE – no new appointments are currently available. Please come back later. We strive to ensure additional vaccination and the availability of open programming. We’re sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. “
Marlton’s Boyd Pharmacy is also solidly booked.
“We are booked until the end of February and this is waiting to get enough vaccines to take care of those people,” said pharmacist Marvin Wainwright.
His pharmacy received more than 100 calls on Wednesday night alone after news broke that Group 1B was now eligible for a vaccine in New Jersey.
SEE ALSO: New Jersey expands eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations
Wainwright urges people to try to make their appointments through the state’s website.
“Help us help you and try not to call the local pharmacy, because not only are we trying to get the vaccines, but we’re trying to take care of the normal prescribing needs of the patients,” Wainwright said, adding that he and a colleague they often go on their day off to help meet vaccine demand.
New Jersey administered approximately 264,000 doses of vaccine.
“I saw a desire for the pods to open up to access a wider vaccination community,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.
But some residents are frustrated with the online registration process.
“I don’t have a computer,” said Janis Moniot of Browns Mills, Burlington County. “And I don’t have a phone that has a computer. So I can’t get anything like that.”
Governor Murphy added that the federal government’s decision not to withhold vaccine doses also influenced the decision.
People over the age of 65 and people between the ages of 16 and 64 with medical conditions in New Jersey were previously classified in group 1C. I am now part of Group 1B.
The first respondents are also part of group 1B.
Healthcare workers are part of group 1A.
The state website lists the eligible medical conditions for people between the ages of 16 and 64 in Group 1B as follows:
– Cancer
– Chronic kidney disease
– COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
– Down syndrome
– Heart disease, such as heart failure, coronary heart disease or cardiomyopathies
– Obesity (body mass index 30 kg / m2 or higher, but – Severe obesity (BMI 40 kg / m2)
– Sickle cell disease
– Smoking
– Type 2 diabetes
Those wishing to make appointments can access information about New Jersey vaccination sites here.
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, is also expanding its vaccine launch. The county administered approximately 6,500 doses out of the 10,000 doses it received from the federal government.
“I am so encouraged by the enthusiasm that so many people need to be vaccinated,” said Dr. Val Arkoosh, Montgomery County Health Commissioner.
Phases 1A, 1B and 1C include essential frontline workers, people aged 65 and over and people aged 16 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions. Montgomery County lists these medical conditions as follows:
– Cancer
– Chronic kidney disease
– COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
– Down syndrome
– Heart disease, such as heart failure, coronary heart disease or cardiomyopathies
– Immunocompromised condition (weakened immune system) following solid organ transplantation
– Obesity (body mass index 30 kg / m2 or higher, but – Severe obesity (BMI 40 kg / m2)
– Pregnancy
– Sickle cell disease
– Smoking
– Type 2 diabetes
To register in advance for the vaccine in Montgomery County, click on this link.
SEE ALSO: US calls on states to vaccinate everyone over 65; do not hold the second dose
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