A letter from County Executive Brian M. Hughes

Dear Mercer County Community,

The effort to administer COVID-19 vaccinations here in Mercer County and across the state has been slowed by a lack of vaccine coming to New Jersey from the federal government. We expect that situation to improve in the coming weeks with a new administration in Washington pledging to significantly ramp up vaccine production and distribution. In the meantime, we are facing a supply that falls far short of demand, but we will make sure we use every dose we do receive.

Mercer County has opened a COVID-19 vaccination site at CURE Insurance Arena in partnership with Capital Health, which will manage the site. To get a vaccination at the arena, you must register through the New Jersey Vaccine Scheduling System at https://covidvaccine.nj.gov. Vaccinations are by appointment only. You will be notified when an appointment becomes available. Beginning Monday, Jan. 25, at 8 a.m., you can call the New Jersey COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 855-568-0545 to get help with the vaccine scheduling system. Vaccinations are being administered to those eligible under the state’s phasing plan that prioritizes people most at risk. But again, vaccine supply is extremely limited at this time. Please be patient. For information on vaccination eligibility, locations and more, visit the state’s vaccine website at https://covid19.nj.gov/vaccine.

New Jersey’s goal is to vaccinate 70 percent of the adult population – about 4.7 million people – by the end of June. As of Friday morning, almost 429,000 people had received their first of vaccine dose, and 61,588 had received their second, according to the state’s COVID-19 dashboard. Even with an increase in supply on the horizon, the vaccination process is expected to take several months. In the meantime, the virus is still active in our community and we can’t get careless when it comes to following precautions. We can’t get out of the habit of wearing our masks, keeping our distance, washing our hands and avoiding large gatherings.

It’s more important than ever that we stay vigilant and do what’s necessary to protect ourselves and those around us while the vaccination process moves forward through the winter and spring. Let’s be patient and continue to support each other. Let’s continue to work together.

Brian M. Hughes
Mercer County Executive

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Photo Caption: Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes speaks with Matthew Grogan, assistant nurse manager for float pool, and Desiree Gbarbea, R.N., critical care float pool at Capital Health, who were administering vaccinations at CURE Insurance Arena on Thursday.