Updated COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older are expected to be available in New Jersey by the end of the week. These vaccines, recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will provide the most up-to-date protection against the virus and its variants as we enter the fall and winter holiday seasons. The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) encourages everyone to stay up to date on their immunizations, including an annual flu shot and an RSV vaccine for eligible individuals, as the best way to stay healthy and avoid serious illness and hospitalization.
The CDC’s action follows recommendations from their Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and regulatory action by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston emphasizes the importance of the updated COVID-19 vaccine, particularly for vulnerable populations and those without insurance. The NJDOH is working with providers across the state to ensure easy access to the vaccine.
The new 2023-2024 COVID-19 Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will now be treated like any other vaccine, including the annual flu shot, as they transition to the commercial market. The previous bivalent vaccines are no longer authorized for use. These new vaccines will be available in some locations in New Jersey by the end of the week and statewide in the coming weeks. Vaccination providers include primary care providers, chain pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and other healthcare institutions.
The vaccine will also be available through the New Jersey Vaccines for Children Program, which serves uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, or Alaskan Native/American Indian individuals under 19 years old. Uninsured and underinsured adults aged 19 and older can access the vaccine at no cost through the federal Bridge Access Program. Through this program, vaccines will be made available to local health departments, federally qualified health centers, certain non-profit organizations, and pharmacies.
For more information and to find a vaccination provider, individuals can visit nj.gov/health/vaccines. The New Jersey Department of Health can also be followed on X (formerly Twitter) @njdeptofhealth, Facebook /njdeptofhealth, Instagram @njdeptofhealth, Threads @NJDeptofHealth, and LinkedIn /company/njdeptofhealth.