NEWARK – Returning to University Hospital, the location of New Jersey’s first COVID-19 vaccination on December 15, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy has announced that the state has hit its ambitious goal of fully vaccinating 4.7 million individuals who live, work, or study in New Jersey nearly two weeks before its original target date of June 30th.
“Before the arrival of vaccines in mid-December, our Administration set one of the most aggressive vaccination goals in the country,” said Governor Murphy. “Reaching our milestone of 4.7 million fully vaccinated individuals who live, work, or study in New Jersey in a little more than six months required a comprehensive statewide approach, with strong partnerships across all levels of government, the private sector, and in our communities.
“Our Administration built a large-scale vaccination infrastructure, with more than 1,500 vaccine distribution sites to date, to meet demand and provide equitable access to all eligible individuals. We are grateful to the millions who rolled up their sleeves to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from COVID-19, and together, we have exceeded our initial goal. While we are celebrating this remarkable achievement, our work is not yet finished, and we must continue working together to vaccinate all eligible individuals to end the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“As soon as the vaccine became available just a few months ago, our Administration made it a top priority to ensure that every New Jerseyan who was able to be vaccinated could receive one,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs.
“Reaching our goal of fully vaccinating 4.7 million people has enabled our businesses, places of worship and other public spaces to open. This is a huge milestone and I want to thank Governor Murphy, Commissioner Persichilli and our medical care workers for their hard work and dedication in getting us to this point.”
“The credit for the success of this vaccination program goes well beyond the Department of Health. There are thousands of people who made this day possible and it starts with our Governor,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “We could not have made this progress without the federal, state and local community partners who have stood beside us along the way – county and local health agencies, hospital and long-term care facilities, community leaders, faith leaders and elected officials who have stood up vaccine sites and performed vital education and outreach. Most importantly, we are grateful for all of those who rolled up their sleeves and got vaccinated to protect their health, their loved ones, and their community.”
“Achieving the goal of 4.7 million vaccinated in New Jersey is an achievement of which we can all be proud,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney. “We have reached this milestone thanks to the hard work and dedication of thousands of people throughout the state who played a role in administering COVID-19 vaccines at hundreds of sites. To be at this point nearly two weeks ahead of the June 30th target date is a testament to their success. We owe them our thanks, for this vaccination effort is paving the way for a return to normalcy that we are all now beginning to enjoy.” “Vaccinations continue to work and continue prove themselves as the life-saving defense against Covid-19,” said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. “As we pass this 4.7 million milestone ahead of the target, I applaud the Governor for a nation-leading vaccine rollout. I also encourage New Jerseyans still weighing their options, or hesitant to get their second shot, to choose vaccination so we can all protect each other.”
