At the beginning of the new year, the number of COVID-19 cases in the City of Hoboken had spiked within only a few weeks. Rising cases statewide forced New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to respond by extending the State of Emergency in New Jersey for another 30 days. Hoboken continues to roll out tests to its population, while also addressing new plans of action now that vaccinations are becoming available, such as preregistration for seniors.
In a newsletter from Councilman Phil Cohen addressing the current pandemic, he stated, “Hoboken began vaccinating our seniors, as one of the first municipalities in New Jersey to do so, on the first date permitted by the State.” Alongside the senior community members, law enforcement, healthcare workers, and first responders have also been cleared to receive vaccinations due to unavoidable risk of exposure. To show support for Hoboken’s plans, Councilman Cohen announced, “Hoboken is pre-registering our seniors to receive appointments for their COVID-19 vaccinations. Currently, more than 1,900 seniors have pre-registered, reflecting our seniors’ great demand and enthusiasm for being protected from this awful disease.“
Preregistration is available to seniors age 65 and over in the hopes of reducing hospital delays for making appointments. Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla of Hoboken commented on preregistration, saying, “We want to make sure that when the day comes for our seniors to get vaccinated, we’re ready to efficiently schedule as many appointments as possible with our medical providers. This process is the latest way we as a City are prioritizing the health of our most vulnerable populations, and I encourage all seniors or family and friends of seniors to pre-register online as soon as possible.”
Hoboken is pushing to make the vaccine available to residents who are most at risk of the virus. On January 18, pre-registration forms were opened up to those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Hoboken is providing many opportunities for seniors to fill out pre-registration forms, either on the internet or over the phone. If someone is not able to fill out a form themselves, a family member or friend is permitted to help and fill it out for them. To make sure that everyone who is eligible for vaccinations is given the opportunity to preregister, the Hoboken Office of Emergency Management, Hoboken Health Department, and CERT will work together to conduct door-to-door services.
Vaccination distribution is being handled by Hoboken University Medical Center (HUMC) and Riverside Medical Group as specified by local government. Both healthcare providers will be restocked by the State of New Jersey when appropriate to satisfy the needs of Hoboken.
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