By Krystle J. Bailey
The Covid-19 vaccine is in high demand in South Jersey and is causing increasing frustration among eligible recipients, as supply is scarce. There are currently 10 vaccine distribution locations in Atlantic County, all of which are currently not taking appointments, including the mega site at the Atlantic City Convention Center.
While many who are seeking the vaccine understand that supplies are limited, it is the scheduling and distribution hiccups that are most frustrating.
“I have been trying to schedule my 86-year-old mother for a vaccine appointment for days. She is a cancer survivor with atrial fibrillation. I joined the queue over an hour before appointments opened up then was assigned a number well into the 20,000s, only to find out by the time I got into the next virtual room that there were only 900 injections left and my position in line had been canceled,” explained Cheryl Bailey of Somers Point.
Stories like Cheryl’s seem to be the norm, rather than the exception. A quick scroll through the comments section of any vaccine related posts will quickly demonstrate the collective frustration.
A few of the comments include:
“My appointment was canceled after waiting a month due to low supply”
“Many of us seniors have spent weeks on the phone trying to get appointments for the vaccine to no avail.”
“My parents, my sister, and myself have been sitting by multiple computers each day trying to get a slot. None of has been successful.”
Until more vaccines become available, distribution is limited to healthcare personnel, long-term care patients and staff, first responders, and high risk individuals. In addition to individuals over 65, those with preexisting conditions including cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, down syndrome, obesity, heart conditions, sickle cell disease, smokers, and Type II diabetes fall into the high-risk category (2B).
Many eligible recipients over 65 either do not have access to computers or do not know how to navigate the scheduling platforms, leaving their adult children working to obtain appointments for their parents. Those who have been able to land appointments went to great lengths to do so.
“I was able to get my family registered, but it took days and a lot of luck. We logged into the site one hour before it was set to take appointments. We had every device in the house logged in and after about one week, we finally got lucky,” shared Brittany Burns of Egg Harbor Township.
Others are resorting to traveling out of the area for a vaccine. Many Atlantic County residents have traveled to other counties and even as far as Pennsylvania where they were able to schedule an appointment.
As frustrations rise, officials including Gov. Phil Murphy are asking for patience. Vaccination centers are being expanded and it is anticipated that more vaccines will become available in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, continue to help slow the spread by adhering to the following precautions:
Wear a mask in public.
Observe social distancing practices.
Wash your hands often.
Treat others with kindness. We are all figuring this out together.
To stay up to date on vaccine availability, visit www.covid19.nj.gov .
COVID-19 Testing:
Weekly COVID-19 drive-thru testing at 617 Dolphin Avenue in Northfield is available by appointment each Tuesday, 9-11:30 AM, until further notice. Appointments can be made by calling 1-888-285-2684 or online at https://booknow-atlco.appointment-plus.com/b8nr4gd8/.
Testing at the Galloway Township library branch of the Atlantic County library system has been extended through Thursday, February 11, weekdays only. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins will also be accepted. Visit www.aclink.org to learn more.
A list of additional COVID-19 test sites in Atlantic County is available at: https://www.atlantic-county.org/covid/additional-testing-locations.asp
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet. Visit her website KrystleJBailey.com
