Somerset County Government: Somerset County Expands Youth Vaccination Efforts To Include Pediatricians, Local Health Providers

Press release from the Somerset County Government:

02/10/2022 1:27 PM

15 Month Effort to Bring Vaccination to all Eligible Populations in Somerset County Reaches New Stage

SOMERVILLE, NJ – Somerset County is reaching out to local pediatricians to forge new partnerships in anticipation of federal approval for Pfizer vaccine for children six months through four years of age. As eligibility rules have changed over the past 15 months, Somerset County has regularly adjusted its tactics to ensure that no resident or community is left behind. This outreach to pediatricians is an extension of this successful effort that has resulted in Somerset County having the highest vaccination rate in the state.

“Throughout our vaccination efforts, we’ve worked hard to find the most efficient ways to reach each population, whether the homebound, immigrant communities, underserved populations, seniors, children, and now our youngest residents,” said Commissioner Doug Singleterry, liaison to the Somerset County Health Department. “Pediatricians are trusted by parents and their small children, and we will work with these doctors to be sure they have the equipment, resources, and training they need to take care of their smallest patients.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are expected to complete their emergency use authorization for reduced doses of the Pfizer vaccine for children six months to four years old by late February.

Pediatricians and healthcare providers serving minors interested in partnering with the Somerset County Department of Health to vaccinate the newly eligible preschoolers should email covidvax@co.somerset.nj.us for more information by Friday, February 18. Program participants will be able to request as much vaccine as they can administer, with a required minimum of one vial.

Somerset County has been partnering with local school districts to hold closed vaccination clinics since June of 2021 when 12- to 17-year-old residents first became eligible for vaccinations. As the new school year opened, the county began a “Back 2 School Supply Checklist” campaign that encouraged youth vaccinations against COVID, and held exclusive weekly Friday clinics for five- to eleven-year-olds after they became eligible in November.

In addition to focusing on younger residents, Somerset County has worked hard to be sure that every resident who wants to be vaccinated has access to vaccine no matter their hometown or personal circumstance. In addition to partnering with local pharmacies, hospitals and the state government, this includes the Somerset County’s Department of Health’s innovative community outreach and clinics:

• January 2021 – Drive thru clinics for first responders, medical providers, and older residents with underlying conditions at Raritan Valley Community College
• February 2021 – Partnering with FEMA to address racial disparities with a mega-clinic at the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Franklin
• February 2021 – Developing a Senior Citizen Waiting List to ensure appointments were available for older residents
• April 2021 – Upon federal approval of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, began vaccinating the homebound in their residences
• May 2021 – Somerset County expanded its drive-thru clinic to include Rutgers Plaza in Franklin, and held as many as eight pop-up clinics in underserved communities such as Bound Brook, Manville, North Plainfield, and Somerville
• June 2021 – Began partnering with schools to vaccinate students 12 and older
• July 2021 – Somerset County surpasses 71% vaccination of all residents 12 and older
• August/September 2021 – Expanded both testing and vaccination partnership with schools to make in-person education safer and less stressful. In-school closed clinics continue through 2022.
• October 2021 – Booster shots become available at all Somerset County clinics as recommended by the CDC
• November 2021 – Somerset County sets up weekly Friday clinics for 5-11 years olds to help shorten lines and ease the stress of vaccination for the children
• December 2021 – Somerset County launched the “Give Your Holidays a Boost” campaign to expand the percentage of vaccinated and boosted residents

Help protect your family and reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus in your community by getting vaccinated with an approved vaccine and practicing everyday healthy habits. The following interventions may also help stop the spread of coronaviruses and other respiratory diseases:

• Wear a well-fitted mask if over two-years of age and not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, and for all residents in locations where there may be a high rate of transmission
• Maintain distance from others – at least two arm’s length apart
• Avoid crowds
• Wash hands frequently with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Monitor health daily and stay home when sick, and
• Stay up to date with vaccines

Since information on COVID-19 is being regularly updated, it is important to stay informed through reliable resources. Follow public health experts such as the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov, the New Jersey Department of Health at http://www.nj.gov/health and the Somerset County Department of Health at http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/health.

The Somerset County Department of Health (SCDOH) 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 or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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This press release was produced by the Somerset County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.