The Omicron variant has become the dominate variant of COVID-19 in the United States. Federal officials announced earlier this week that 73% of all new cases are attributed to the Omicron variant. Cape May County is of only six New Jersey counties that have hit the 70% fully vaccinated mark, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thus far, the numbers of COVID positive patients admitted to Cape Regional Medical Center are well below the peak seen in December 2020. The recent highs in new cases reported in New Jersey are a reminder for residents to get vaccinated or boosted, and to mask indoors when social distancing is difficult.
The Cape May County Department of Health is hosting weekly COVID-19 vaccination clinics at its offices, located at 6 Moore Rd. in Cape May Court House. The clinic will be held every Wednesday in December from 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. The County’s DOH will be providing all Moderna, Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccinations, including booster doses, along with Flu shots at this weekly clinic. Individuals that have received the Moderna vaccine must wait six months before receiving the booster shot. People who have taken the Johnson & Johnson vaccine need to wait two months before getting the booster. Anyone who is 18 years of age or older is now eligible for the COVID-19 booster shot throughout all of New Jersey. This is a walk-in clinic. The Department of Health will also have a rotating weekly clinic throughout Cape May County.
- Tuesday Dec. 28th 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. at St. Casimir Church, 304 Clay St. in Woodbine – First and Second shots of Moderna or First shot of Johnson & Johnson – no boosters will be given at this location.
- Wednesday Dec. 29th 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. at the Cape May County Department of Health, 6 Moore Rd. in Cape May Court House – Moderna or Johnson & Johnson
The Cape May County Department of Health administered a total of 24,069 doses so far. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 75,617 Cape May County residents have received at least one vaccine dose and 64,439 have been fully vaccinated. The CDC also reports that 70% of the County’s population is fully vaccinated.
“The spread of the Omicron variant is something we continue to monitor, and we want to our residents to stay safe this holiday season,” said Cape May County Commissioner Jeff Pierson, liaison to the Cape May County Department of Health. “If you feel sick, get tested and avoid spreading the virus to others. Vaccines and boosters are best protection we have currently to mitigate the spread and to also lessen potential symptoms you might feel if a breakthrough infection takes place.”
For more information on obtaining the vaccine, quickly and free of charge, go to https://capemaycountynj.gov/226/Health-Department or call (609) 465-1187. Cape May County has recorded 14,671 COVID-19 cases during the pandemic, 13,351 of those are now off quarantine. More details on daily reported case numbers can be found at https://capemaycountynj.gov/1418/Covid-19-Dashboard.
Sadly, we are announcing the passing of two individuals, an 83 year old female from Upper Township, and an 86 year old male from Lower Township. “In this sorrowful time, may the love of family and friends comfort you,” said Commissioner Jeff Pierson.
