Hello Kristine Morieko,

As the number of cases rise in New Jersey and fatalities climb closer to the 20K mark, the COVID-19 vaccine is more important than ever.

News of the COVID-19 vaccine is flooding the airwaves and dominating social media space, as people all throughout New Jersey are vying for an appointment. On January 14, 2021 the State opened the vaccination process to the 1b category, a broad group including first responders and adults with underlying medical conditions.

As many individuals with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to the virus due to compromised immune systems, we encourage you to speak with your doctor and make a plan for vaccination that is right for you.

Eligible New Jerseyeans:

Healthcare personnel, Long-term care residents and staff. Sworn law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders. Individuals aged 65 and older, and individuals ages 16-64 with certain medical conditions.

See Full List

This information and the resources included about the vaccine are current at the time of publication, but may change. It's important to check the State COVID-19 Site and your local health department for the latest updates on eligibility and new vaccines as they become available. Read below for important first steps to take in getting vaccinated.

The first step in getting vaccinated is to register on the State's vaccine site. This will also allow you to make an appointment.

Currently, not enough vaccine has been produced to meet the demand, however it is on the way. When vaccines become available, registered New Jerseyeans will be contacted to make an appointment.

List of Vaccination Sites

The next step is to locate a vaccination site that is accessible to you, however you are not limited to your county of residence.

There are private facilities such as Virtua and RWJ that are also offering appointments outside of the State's registration system. You may need to register on their site, as well. Links are provided at the button above.

The State has set up a Call Center to assist New Jerseyeans in registering for the vaccine and setting up appointments. For medical concerns about getting vaccinated against COVID-19, please speak to your doctor.

Vaccine Appointment Support

1-855-568-0545

Medical COVID-19 Questions

1-800-962-1253

COVID-19 Vaccine Video for Individuals with I/DD

Barbara Coppens, Disability Rights NJ staff, took part in the creation of this video, produced by The Arc of NJ for individuals with I/DD. It explains the COVID-19 vaccine including how it is administered and possible side effects.

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Wednesday, March 3rd

In this webinar participants will learn about a wide range of gadgets and technologies designed to make your everyday life easier, including supports for communicating, eating, bathroom safety, mobility, cooking, and dressing.

About Disability Rights New Jersey

Learn More About DRNJ

DRNJ is supported by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration; U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration; and the Social Security Administration.

DRNJ is a private, non-profit, consumer-directed organization established to:

Advocate for and advance the human, civil and legal rights of citizens of New Jersey with disabilities;
Promote public awareness and recognition of individuals with disabilities as equally entitled members of society;
Advise and assist persons with disabilities, family members, attorneys and guardians in obtaining and protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities; and
Provide education, training and technical assistance to individuals with disabilities, the agencies that serve them, advocates, attorneys, professionals, courts and others regarding the rights of individuals with disabilities.

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