By: Follow South Jersey Staff
CAMDEN, N.J. — This week the city reached a critical mark in the fight against COVID-19 with 70% of its adult residents 18 and older having at least one dose of the vaccine. Since August, Camden has seen its vaccination rate rise almost 20% citywide and the county has seen more than 50,000 new residents get vaccinated over the last 45 days.
“Every resident in the county should have the access and opportunity to this vital vaccine that is the best tool we have in fighting against COVID-19,” Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. said. “The numbers attached to new members of our community getting vaccinated is encouraging, but we still have work to do. These three [vaccination] sites in the city will make it even easier to take your shot. If you haven’t gotten vaccinated, please make an appointment today.”
Free Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be offered, along with third doses as long as residents have a proof of vaccination card. Free Uber rides are also being offered to each site:
Kroc Center – 1865 Harrison Ave, Camden
Every Thursday – 2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Camcare – 2610 Federal Street, Camden
Every Monday – Thursday – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cousins Supermarket – 200 Marlton Pike, Camden
10/22, 11/11, 11/12, 11/19, 12/17 — 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
The Board of Commissioners is offering these vaccinations in partnership with the state Department of Health, Cooper University Health Care, CAMcare, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Rutgers University School of Nursing, and the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers.
Camden City Mayor, Vic Carstarphen, who has worked side by side with the county department of health and participated in parades to promote the vaccine,talked about the impact of the new benchmark on his community.
“On August 3rd, I began pushing for a 70% vaccination rate for all eligible residents. Today, (11 weeks later) Camden has increased its rate and reached 70% for at least one dose of the vaccine,” Carstarphen said. “That is a 20% increase in less than three months. It is critical that we (as government), bring the vaccine and services to the community and meet residents where they are. The City of Camden, Camden County and all of our partners, have been knocking on doors in the community to encourage residents to get vaccinated. It is proven that the vaccine is safe and effective. Now it’s important that we present these facts to the community and disprove any and all myths. Our key message is to get vaccinated because it saves lives. Do it for yourself, your kids, neighbors, co-workers, family, and all those who are most vulnerable within the community.”
To date, 365,309 Camden County residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 311,166 are fully vaccinated and 25,763 have received a third dose. More information regarding vaccination rates throughout the county is available on the state’s COVID-19 dashboard at www.covid19.nj.gov.
For a full schedule of COVID Vaccination pop-ups visit: www.CamdenCounty.com/service/pop-up-vaccination-schedule.
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