Hudson County Leads NJ With 83% Vaccination Rate for 12-to-17 Year Olds

As the 2021 School Year Begins, Hudson County Working to Keep Students and Teachers Safe, Schools Open With State-Leading Vaccination Rate

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise is proud to announce that the county ranks first in the state for vaccination rate among 12-to-17 year olds at 83%. Hudson County is also now third in the state in overall one-dose vaccination rate at 87%, trailing only Morris and Somerset counties. These impressive numbers will go far in ensuring the safety of students, teachers, and staff as the school year begins and classes are once again held in person, allowing parents to return to work and the region’s economy to continue its recovery.

“Ensuring that our kids can go back to school safely has been one of our highest priorities and our team has worked tirelessly since 12-17 year olds became eligible for the vaccine to reach this point,” said County Executive DeGise. “A great deal of the credit goes to our amazing team at the Hudson County Vaccine Task Force, and to school administrators, parents, and local health officials who have been so dedicated to making sure that we’re able to vaccinate as many young people as possible and keep our communities safe.”

In his daily COVID-19 briefing Wednesday, Governor Phil Murphy commended the work that Hudson County has done to get so many young people vaccinated. The Hudson County Vaccine Task Force has made a point to partner closely with schools in their efforts to increase vaccination rates among teenagers, working with superintendents, and coordinating vaccination clinics at several schools as part of the “Vax to School” campaign.

“I am so proud of our team and of all of Hudson County’s residents,” said Carrie Nawrocki, Executive Director of Hudson Regional Health Commission. “We have been relentless in our work to ensure that everyone has access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and that work is certainly paying off. I also want to give special thanks to all of the parents in Hudson County who have stepped up and made sure that their children are vaccinated in time for the start of the school year.”

The Hudson County Vaccine Distribution Center in Kearny continues to offer free vaccines and booster shots to those eligible, with no appointment necessary. County Executive DeGise urges anyone who has yet to get their vaccine to do so today. More information about the Center’s hours can be found on their website.

About the Hudson County Vaccine Distribution Center: The Hudson County Vaccine Distribution Center is operated by Hudson Regional Health Commission and overseen by County Executive Tom DeGise’s Vaccine Task Force, which includes representatives from the Hudson County Improvement Authority, the Hudson County Office of Emergency Management, County Department of Roads and Public Property, the Hudson County Schools of Technology and the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office. The center is located at the USS Juneau Center at 110 Hackensack in Kearny.