NJ Updates: Booster Shots Now Available for Everyone Age 12 and Older
Posted on: January 18, 2022 - 9:33am
NJ COVID-19 Updates and More - Click here to read the email update from NJ.gov: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/NJGOV/bulletins/3050488
Do you have questions about when and where you can receive the COVID-19 vaccine, mask requirements, or how to get a COVID-19 test? The State of New Jersey offers up-to-date information, resources, and guidance at our COVID-19 Information Hub.
Booster Shots Now Available for Everyone 12 and Older
12- through 15-year-olds are now eligible for a Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot. In addition, the Center for Disease Control now recommends that everyone ages 12 and older get a booster shot at five months after their two-dose series instead of after six months.
Studies show that after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus and the ability to prevent infection with variants may decrease over time. Booster doses provide necessary protection against waning immunity.
The recent emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19.
Booster shots are available to everyone 12 and older:
- Two months after their one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot, or
- Five months after their last Pfizer shot or Moderna shot.
Protect Yourselves and Your Community
The simultaneous spread of the Delta and highly transmissible Omicron variants, as well as increased holiday travel and indoor gatherings, have caused a tsunami of COVID-19 infections in the state.
The simultaneous spread of the Delta and highly transmissible Omicron variants, as well as increased holiday travel and indoor gatherings, have caused a tsunami of COVID-19 infections in the state.
New Jersey is reporting record high COVID-19 cases and test positivity rates. Emergency department visits and hospitalizations for COVD-like illness are also increasing for both adults and children.
Take the steps necessary to protect yourselves and your families:
- Get vaccinated
- Get boosted
- Wear a mask
- Get tested and stay home if you feel ill
COVID-19 Testing is Available!
There are more than 1,000 testing sites open across the state and New Jersey is continuously working with partners at the local, county, and federal levels to expand accessibility.
There are more than 1,000 testing sites open across the state and New Jersey is continuously working with partners at the local, county, and federal levels to expand accessibility.
It's especially important to get tested if you are feeling sick or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
To get tested:
Updated Guidance on Isolation and Quarantine
The CDC and New Jersey Department Of Health (DOH) have revised their general guidance on isolation and quarantine:
The CDC and New Jersey Department Of Health (DOH) have revised their general guidance on isolation and quarantine:
If you tested positive for COVID-19 (regardless of vaccination status):
- You should stay home and isolate for 5 days.
- If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house but should continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
- If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.
If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and have received all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses (received a booster dose, completed the two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna within the last 5 months, or have received your single shot of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months):
- You do not need to quarantine but you should wear a well-fitted mask around others for 10 days.
- If symptoms occur, you should immediately isolate until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.
- You should also be tested 5 days after your exposure if possible. If the test is positive for COVID-19, you should isolate for 5 days from the date of the positive test result.
If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and have NOT received all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses (unvaccinated, are more than 5 months out from your second Pfizer or Moderna dose, or more than 2 months out from your J&J vaccine dose):
- You should stay home and quarantine for 5 days, and continue to wear a well-fitted mask around others for 5 additional days.
- If symptoms occur, you should immediately isolate until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.
- You should also be tested 5 days after your exposure, if possible. If the test is positive for COVID-19, you should isolate for 5 days from the date of the positive test result.
Note: Individuals in child care or high-risk congregate settings, you may be subject to different safety recommendations and timeframes.
Download Docket for Mobile Vaccine Records
Docket is a mobile app that makes it easier for you and your family to securely access your COVID-19 vaccination record.
If you don’t have your vaccination card with you or have lost it, you can easily access your record through the app to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, as needed.
The Docket app is now available in the App Store or on Google Play.