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Union County Will Offer Free COVID-19 Third Shots for Eligible Residents

New state guidelines for additional shots will go in effect beginning Saturday, August 14.

Union County will begin offering an additional COVID-19 shot to eligible residents beginning this Saturday, August 14. Under new guidelines issued by the New Jersey Department of Health, residents who are already vaccinated against COVID-19 with either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine can receive a third shot if they are in an immunosuppressed category.

Details about eligibility are available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html

“Throughout the pandemic, Union County has carefully followed federal vaccination guidelines to ensure that the approved regimens are applied in our community as soon as possible. The FDA and CDC took an important step forward today, and we stand ready to start this important service tomorrow morning,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Residents who are eligible for a third shot can use Union County’s online system at ucnj.org/vax to make an appointment, or they can walk up to any vaccine location with proof of their original vaccine series for a third shot.

Permanent vaccination sites in Union County are located at the Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth and Downs Hall at Kean University. Union County’s mobile clinics also visit local neighborhoods on a regular basis.

Any resident who needs help using the ucnj.org/vax  online system can contact the Union County COVID-19 Call Center for assistance at 908-613-7829 during regular weekday business hours.

Union County’s Immunization Center at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth is also providing free COVID-19 vaccines. The Immunization Center provides all other standard immunization shots for children and adults, as well. Call 908-965-3627 or 965-3868 for more information.

In addition, home-bound residents can use Union County’s home vaccination service. To receive a home visit for an additional shot or a first shot, call the service provider, Mobile Medical Services, at 1-833-256-2478 or request a visit by sending an email to vaccine@mmst.io.

All New Jersey residents age 12 and up are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. All residents age 18 and up can also use the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

Residents making appointments for third doses at Union County’s vaccination clinics are reminded that they will be receiving the same mRNA as their original vaccination, and they must have finished their original vaccine series four weeks or more before receiving a third shot. Those who received Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine are not eligible at this time.

Photo ID and proof of prior vaccination are required. Either the CDC vaccination card or the state-approved Docket app can be used as proof of vaccination.

Residents who have lost their CDC card can also receive a copy of their immunization record from the New Jersey Department of Health, by using the “Submit a Request” link at njiis.nj.gov.

Free COVID-19 tests are also available at Union County’s vaccination clinics.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution, emergency rental assistance and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.