Atlantic Health: Visit atlantichealth.com and click “Covid-19 vaccines” at the top of the page to schedule vaccination. All vaccines, including boosters and Pfizer pediatric primary doses, are available across various Atlantic Health locations. You will be able to search for an appointment based on the specific vaccine you are looking for.
West Milford Pharmacy: Visit westmilfordpharmacy.com, click “Covid-19 services. Then, under “Covid-19 Vaccine,” click “View service,” then “Schedule COVID-19 Vaccine” and fill out the form.
Wellness Care Pharmacy:
ShopRite: Visit vaccines.shoprite.com, scroll to the bottom and select “Click here to schedule an appointment” and fill out the form to search for availability near you.
NJ.gov search: Visit covid19.nj.gov/pages/finder to search for nearby vaccines by zip code and type.
Vaccines.gov: Visit vaccines.gov to search for local vaccines and booster appointments and type.
CVS: Go to CVS.com and click “Covid-19 vaccines and boosters” to schedule a vaccine appointment near you.
Walgreens: Go to walgreens.com and click “Schedule vaccine.”
What vaccines are available, and who is eligible?
Pfizer is available for ages 5 and up, given as two doses three weeks apart. For those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and at least 12 years old, a third primary shot is recommended at least 28 days after the second shot. The Pfizer vaccine is FDA approved.
Moderna is available for ages 18 and up, given as two doses four weeks apart. For those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and at least 18 years old, a third primary shot is recommended at least 28 days after the second shot.
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is a single-dose vaccine available for ages 18 and up. However, the CDC announced preference for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines over J&J in most situations due to rare, but serious risks associated with Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. J&J may be considered over the other two options for those who are allergic to ingredients in the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or had a severe reaction after a dose of either Pfizer or Moderna.
What boosters are available, and who is eligible?
Pfizer boosters are available to those ages 16 and up six months after completing their primary vaccine series.
Moderna boosters are available to those ages 18 and up six months after completing the first two doses.
Those who initially received the J&J vaccine are eligible for a booster shot 2 months after their initial vaccination. Pfizer or Moderna boosters are preferred over the J&J booster in most situations.
Why are boosters recommended?
Although COVID-19 vaccines remain effective in preventing severe disease, studies suggest their effectiveness at preventing infection or severe illness wanes over time.
Data from clinical trials showed that a booster shot increased the immune response in trial participants who finished a Pfizer or Moderna primary series 6 months earlier or who received a J&J single-dose vaccine 2 months earlier. With an increased immune response, people should have improved protection against getting infected with COVID-19.
For Pfizer-BioNTech and J&J, clinical trials also showed that a booster shot helped prevent severe disease.
Source: CDC.gov
