“I would like to thank all residents for their patience as we help people get the COVID-19 vaccine at the Secaucus Vaccination POD,” Mayor Michael Gonnelli said in the town’s February newsletter.
The POD, which was previously an outdoor heated tent and trailer, has moved from outside the Recreation Center at 1200 Koelle Boulevard to inside. The first Moderna vaccine at the POD was administered on Dec. 30.
According to Gonnelli, there is a limited number of vaccines available to Secaucus, as well as to vaccination sites throughout New Jersey.
“Despite limited availability of vaccine, the state opened eligibility to all individuals over 65 years old and those 16 to 64 years old with underlying conditions,” Gonnelli said.
That made a large portion of Secaucus’s population eligible, but the town does not have enough vaccines to meet that demand. Currently, those eligible include healthcare personnel, first responders, and those at high risk, which includes those 65 and older and those between ages 16 to 64 with medical conditions.
“From the outset the federal government stated it would take six months or more to vaccinate up to 70 percent of the population,” Gonnelli said. “So please continue to be patient as we work toward our goal to vaccinate all those who wish to receive it.”
Gonnelli said that as soon as the town announces the availability of vaccines through its SwiftReach system, appointments are filled within minutes.
Register now
To receive SwiftReach alerts, register on the town’s website at secaucusnj.gov on the “I want to – register for – Swift911 Alerts” tab. Seniors who do not have easy access to online registration can call Town Hall, and staff will assist them.
To register for an appointment when vaccines are available, go to SecaucusNJ.gov/Vaccine.
Because of the high demand, Gonnelli has asked those who are healthy to consider holding off on getting vaccinated so the town can vaccinate the most vulnerable members of the community first.
“I would like to thank the departments who are working tirelessly to make the Vaccination POD a smooth and efficient operation,” Gonnelli said. “The Secaucus Health Department, Police and EMS, Administration and the Hudson County Health Department for all their efforts during the past few months.”
Gonnelli said he is confident the town will get more vaccine in the coming weeks and months so more residents can be vaccinated.
“Please make sure you are registered on all available vaccination sites so that you have the best chance of receiving your vaccine as early as possible,” he continued. “In the meantime, please continue wearing masks, and practicing hand hygiene and social distancing.”
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at disrael@hudsonreporter.com.
