TOMS RIVER, NJ – As New Jersey vaccine supplies run out and the Biden administration has slowed down the influx of new shipments to New Jersey during the transition, stocks are running low. Last week, Governor Phil Murphy announced a statewide COVID-19 vaccine shortage opened vaccine mega-sites, but had no vaccines to give.
This week, the Ocean County Health Department is now restricting vaccines to county residents only after residents have been traveling between counties as their own counties began to run dry.
“Please note that the OCHD COVID-19 vaccination clinics are now being restricted to Ocean County residents. (Out of county residents that have a second dose appointment scheduled with us will be honored,” the Ocean County Health Department said. “If you receive an email notifying you your second dose appointment has been canceled please email www.COVID@ochd.org to confirm.—- Ocean County residents will be required to have ID showing proof of residency.”
The OCHD says you MUST have an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at any of the Ocean County Health Department’s (OCHD) vaccination sites. (Toms River High North & Southern Regional Middle School). The OCHD does not offer any reserve (leftover) vaccine at the end of the day. Therefore, anyone who shows up at the end of the day – or anytime – without an appointment will be turned away.
When the state created a motor vehicle debacle last year, people began selling their spots in line. That is not possible with the COVID-19 testing, the county said.
“Appointments are NONTRANSFERABLE! Only the person named on the appointment will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at that specific date/time. Please do NOT send anyone else in your place – they will be turned away,” OCHD said in a release.
Anyone who received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at one of the OCHD vaccination sites can expect to receive their second dose email within 2 weeks of receiving their first dose. The second email will direct you to a link to schedule a second dose appointment.
Please visit www.ochd.org for available appointments. Please be reminded that appointments are LIMITED DUE TO A SHORTAGE OF VACCINE! The OCHD advises you check in frequently as appointments will only open at this moment in time when there is a cancellation and then the schedule page window will close. We appreciate you patience as we await additional vaccine.
thank you! ***