HFNJ Statement on COVID-19 Vaccines

As we have seen over the past year-and-a-half, the COVID-19 virus has wreaked havoc across the globe. We are thankful to the many scientists, researchers, health care workers and others who have worked tirelessly to help treat those impacted by the disease, as well as to work to find a cure to minimize the impact of the virus and to prevent it from spreading.

Toward that end, HFNJ supports vaccination as a means of public health and safety.  The Pfizer vaccine, recently approved by the FDA, has shown itself to be effective in mitigating the symptoms of COVID-19 and in preventing serious illness and death. Millions of adults and children across the globe have received the vaccination and while some may have incurred minor side effects, an overwhelming majority of those who have received the vaccine have found it to be helpful as a tool to prevent the further spread of the illness. Moreover, as we work together to address the public health risks and potential negative economic impact of a society burdened by the yoke of a pandemic, we believe that all should be vaccinated.

In our region, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are on the rise with the unvaccinated members of our community facing the harshest disease and outcomes. In Essex County, NJ you can access vaccinations and testing at Essex County College in Newark and K-Mart in West Orange. Vaccinations are also available at outdoor community events and local schools and churches. All vaccination information can be found here and is updated frequently.

Recognizing that each individual may have a unique response to the vaccine—based on their own medical, personal or historical relationship with medical treatment- we encourage all to speak with their health care provider about getting the vaccine (which is available for free). We urge all who are able, to get a vaccine. By doing so, you will be keeping your friends, family and community safe and healthy and contributing to the health of all.