Bucco Applauds Morris Co. Vaccination ‘Megasite’ for Health Care Workers

Health care workers in Morris County will have convenient access to the COVID vaccine at an inoculation center coming to Rockaway Township. It’s one of six “megasites” announced by the State today for distributing the vaccine.

Senator Anthony M. Bucco welcomed the facility, calling it an “important step in protecting the frontline heroes we all depend on, especially during this crisis.”

According to Friday’s announcement, the megasites will open in January, and vaccination for residents and staff of long-term care homes will begin in those facilities on Dec. 28.

“Health care workers and first responders are dealing with contagious COVID patients every day, and this will make it as easy as possible for those who want the vaccine to get it,” Bucco continued.

The State has released plans for a phased roll out of COVID-19 vaccines. The first phase, Phase 1A, includes vaccines for paid and unpaid health care workers who have the potential for exposure to patients or infectious materials. Residents of long-term care facilities will also receive the vaccine in Phase 1A, but they’ll get it within their facilities. Essential workers are covered in Phase 1B, and the general population will receive the vaccine in Phase 2.

For more about New Jersey’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, CLICK HERE.

“Protecting state residents and treating the sick requires a robust, healthy and infection-free health care workforce. That is the priority of the first phase of vaccinations,” Bucco said. “The vaccines will help hospitals maintain adequate staffing levels by minimizing the spread of the virus to workers. I appreciate that this mega facility here in Morris County will be activated soon so we can move into the next promising phase of treating our residents who seek the vaccine.

“It is an opportune location that will provide easy access and convenience for residents approved as the phases advance,” Bucco continued.

A web site for health care workers to sign up for appointments will be unveiled soon.

Senator Bucco commended the Morris County Freeholder Board and the County Sheriff’s office for working closely with the State to secure the Rockaway site.

Other megasites will be opening in Bergen, Middlesex, Burlington, Gloucester and Atlantic counties.

In addition to the six supersites, Bucco noted in the coming weeks, an additional 200 vaccination points of distribution are expected throughout the state. These locations will include hospitals, FQHCs, urgent care centers, and large physician practices, and will serve health care workers in Phase 1A.