Getting vaccinated is one of the most important tools available to help keep you, your family, and your community healthy and safe. Other tools include continuing to wear a mask in public, social distancing, and washing your hands frequently. By getting vaccinated you can help prevent more illnesses and deaths in America, end the damage to the economy, and eradicate the COVID-19 virus. The Belleville Health Department does not have the vaccine currently. Essex County has established specific distribution sites throughout the county.

To see if you are eligible for the vaccine at this time please visit https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/slowing-the-spread/who-is-eligible-for-vaccination-in-new-jersey-who-is-included-in-the-vaccination-phases. More groups will become eligible in the coming weeks.

To get the vaccine, an appointment is required. Residents can register at www.EssexCOVID.org, or by calling the Essex County COVID-19 call center at 973-877-8456 if you do not have internet. You will receive follow-up instructions via text message or email. We understand the community’s frustration with the registration process for the COVID-19 vaccination. Please be patient as the demand for the vaccine is very high!

Essex County is distributing the Moderna vaccine. For the vaccine to be 95% effective, you will need 2 doses. Both doses will be scheduled at the time of your appointment confirmation.

Residents who are currently eligible for the vaccine include individuals at high risk (Phase 1B, effective 1/14/21), individuals aged 65 and older, and individuals ages 16-64 with medical conditions that increase the risk of severe illness from the virus. Those conditions include.

• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Down Syndrome
• Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
• Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
• Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)
• Sickle cell disease
• Smoking
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Individuals who are pregnant and those in an immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant are also eligible but should follow CDC guidance and first discuss vaccination with their medical provider before receiving the vaccine.

Essex County is currently distributing the Moderna vaccine which is specifically for those ages 18 and older. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for persons 16 years of age and older, under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization.

Not all sites administer both vaccines, so it is important to understand before scheduling that only those vaccination sites with Pfizer vaccine can immunize those that are 16 and 17 years of age. Contact the county at 973-877-8456 to see what alternate plans have been made for those who are 16 and 17 years of age.