EAST ORANGE – In anticipation of upcoming family gatherings this holiday season, Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council and the Department of Health and Human Services have launched a COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Program to encourage community members 18 and older to receive the Pfizer, Moderna and J&J vaccinations and booster shots.
The program, administered in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health, La Casa de Don Pedro and NJCRI, will be held at the East Orange Senior Center, 90 Halsted Street, in East Orange, said Dr. Monique Griffith, Director of Health and Human Services.
Dr. Griffith said that while East Orange seniors were among the largest percentage of residents to get vaccinated early on this past March, they are now the most vulnerable as the effectiveness of their initial dose is decreasing.
“We know that families will be getting together for the holidays and we want to make sure that we make getting vaccinations and booster shots as easy as possible for those who are eligible,” said Mayor Green. “We want everyone to have a safe and healthy holiday while protecting themselves and others.”
Dr. Griffith said, “Often times, incentives also create opportunities for one-on-one conversations between trusted leaders who can motivate and explain the benefits of the vaccine to those who still have questions. Studies have shown that incentives – even small ones – can have a positive impact on increasing vaccination rates,” said Dr. Griffith. “As a local health department, we are working diligently with our county, state and federal partners to ensure that our constituents have access to the vaccination.”
While supplies last, $50 Amazon gift cards and/or holiday gift boxes with the fixings will be given to those coming for first and second doses, while $20 Walmart gift cards and/or a traditional holiday meat will be given to those receiving their booster/third shot.
Residents of East Orange and those employed within the City of East Orange are welcome to make an appointment by visiting www.eovacccine.org. Those without internet access can call (973) 266-5480 and speak with a member of the COVID-19 Vaccination Team.
Over the summer, incentive programs began cropping up all over the nation as cities, schools and organizations offered a variety of enticements, including cash payments, free tickets to sports outings, drinks, scholarships and more.
The eligibility requirements are as follows:
For the PFIZER/MODERNA/J&J VACCINATION:
- Any resident who is 18 years of age or older.
For the PFIZER/ MODERNA BOOSTER:
- Any resident who is 18 years of age or older is eligible to receive a booster dose at least 6 months after completing the initial PFIZER/ MODERNA 2-dose series.
For the J&J BOOSTER:
- Any resident who is 18 years or older is eligible to receive a booster dose of the J&J vaccine at least 2 months after completing their primary dose of the vaccine.
Booster doses will be offered BY APPOINTMENT ONLY to ensure that enough vaccines are available on site. If doses are available, walk-ins will be supported.
Appointments will be available on the following days:
- Mondays and Thursdays (4:30pm-7pm)
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays (10am-1pm)
- Every first and third Saturday of each month (11am-3pm)
The Department of Health and Human Services will also be returning to senior buildings to ensure that seniors have a convenient means of receiving COVID-19 boosters. On-site booster clinics are currently being scheduled and any senior interested in knowing the date that his/her building has been scheduled should speak with building management or call (973) 266-5480 or (973) 266-8832.
The city’s Health Department is also working with the County of Essex and the East Orange School District to ensure that eligible children can easily access vaccinations. For additional information, families can contact the Department of Health and Human Services at (973) 266-5480. Please be reminded that this new vaccination program will be administered from the East Orange Senior Center located at 90 Halsted Street.
