Governor Murphy, Biden Administration Announce New Federal Pilot Community Vaccination Center in Newark

Major Vaccination Site Will Vaccinate 6,000 Individuals Daily at the Naimoli Family Athletic and Recreational Facility at the New Jersey Institute of Technology 

NEWARK – In partnership with the Biden Administration, Governor Phil Murphy today announced the planned opening of a pilot Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Community Vaccination Center located at the Naimoli Family Athletic and Recreational Facility at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark. As part of the shared goal of the Murphy Administration and Biden Administration to efficiently and equitably administer COVID-19 vaccinations, the Community Vaccination Center will have the capacity to vaccinate 6,000 individuals per day, seven days per week. Vaccines will be provided directly from the federal government, above and beyond the state’s regular allocations. Supported by the federal government in partnership with the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, the New Jersey Department of Health, Essex County, and City of Newark, the Community Vaccination Center will target vulnerable communities based on the Centers for Diseases Control’s Social Vulnerability Index.  

“Ensuring vaccine equity by reaching deep into communities with higher risks of virus exposure and infection is among our highest priorities,” said Governor Murphy. “By bringing a Federal Pilot Community Vaccination Center to New Jersey, we are one step closer to reaching our goal of vaccinating 4.7 million New Jersey adults in an efficient, effective, and equitable manner. I am incredibly grateful to President Biden and his Administration for not only their partnership, but their leadership and bold action, to provide us with the vaccines and support necessary to vaccinate the public and end the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

“We are continuing to bring more federally-run mass vaccination centers online, including 3 new sites we are announcing today, in Boston, Massachusetts, Norfolk, Virginia, and Newark, New Jersey,” said Jeff Zients, Counselor to the President and White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator.

“We are pleased to again be partnering with FEMA in expanding access to COVID-19 vaccines to residents of underserved communities in New Jersey,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “The state’s vaccination program has been guided throughout by equity, and we are working hard to make vaccines available in areas that have been impacted the hardest by the virus.” 

“FEMA and the State of New Jersey have partnered in our COVID-19 response efforts since the onset of the pandemic,” said Tom Fargione, Acting FEMA Regional Administrator. “The opening of the Community Vaccination Center at the New Jersey Institute of Technology is the latest example of the strong collaboration between the state and FEMA. At the direction of President Biden, the federal family across the nation is working closely with communities hardest hit by the virus. I emphatically encourage everyone who meets the current criteria to receive a vaccine to get one; not only to protect yourself, but to protect those you love. Together we will ensure every New Jerseyan who wants a vaccine can get one — equitable access is a top priority.” 

“This is great news for Essex County,” said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. “During this global pandemic, Essex County had one of the highest COVID-19 infection and death rates in the country.  The county needs this center to increase vaccination rates, protect residents, and reopen schools safely. I have been working with the White House, FEMA, and Governor Murphy to get more vaccines to Essex County. I am glad to hear help is on the way.” 

“Getting the vaccine is the best tool we have to put an end to the Coronavirus pandemic and allow our lives to return to normal,” said Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. “We appreciate Governor Murphy continuing to support our efforts and opening the megacenter at NJIT. The goal is to get as many shots in people’s arms and having the megacenter will augment the work we are doing at our five vaccination sites and through our other initiatives.”

“As we’ve seen the detriment that COVID-19 has caused on our community and beyond, it’s extremely important for any of our residents to have access to the vaccine if they are ready to get one,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “On behalf of the residents of the City of Newark, I am grateful for the Biden-Harris Administration, FEMA, and Governor Murphy’s leadership in bringing more vaccines to us where we need them the most. This is our best scientific means for protection against COVID.”

For more information about eligibility, locations, and to preregister for a vaccination, visit https://covid19.nj.gov/vaccine.

For more information on CDC criteria for eligibility, please click here.