Five weeks ago Asbury Park Mayor John Moor had an idea. He described it as a crazy idea: let’s have a vaccine site in Asbury Park.
That idea will become a reality on March 13 when 100 vaccines will be given out at the Second Baptist Church in Asbury Park.
“I am very happy to announce another community partnership, with Second Baptist Church of Asbury Park, to bring vaccines directly to our residents,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone at a press conference March 5. “On Saturday, March 13 from 2 to 4 p.m., 100 vaccines will be given out at the church by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled with the Church.”
Arnone thanked Pastor Vanzant and Mayor Moore for their partnership with Monmouth County.
“Five weeks ago today, I called Director Arnone with a crazy idea for a vaccine site in Asbury Park and his response stunned me when he said he was working on a partnership in Red Bank and would love for Asbury Park to be next,” Moor said. “I knew the Second Baptist Church was the perfect partner for this vaccine site and we could never thank the Board of Commissioners and Monmouth County enough for what they are doing for Asbury Park.”
“I am grateful as a representative and concerned citizen of the west side of Asbury Park to make this partnership possible,” said Pastor Vanzant, Second Baptist Church of Asbury Park. “I am grateful that this outlines the struggle of equality to all citizens to be able to have access and resources through this partnership. The partnership signifies a step to come together as people of Monmouth County, and everyone knows they matter not just through words, but through action.”
Arnone also announced information on vaccine scheduling.
“I am also excited to announce today that we are going to be launching a vaccine scheduling system for Monmouth County residents, who are currently eligible for the vaccine, to log on and make appointments themselves,” Arnone said. “Residents will be able to make appointments for a vaccine here at Brookdale Community College four days per week, from Tuesday through Thursday and on Saturday.”
Appointments will be open to Monmouth County residents who are currently eligible according to guidelines issued by the New Jersey Department of Health. Information about who is currently eligible is also available on www.visitmonmouth.com/health.
“It is important to note that appointments will only be open for the upcoming week once we receive confirmation of the amount of vaccine the County will be receiving from the State,” Arnone said. “There will be a number of appointments reserved here and at the Monmouth County Agricultural Building for those who are currently on the waiting list.”
“There will also be appointments reserved at the Monmouth County Agricultural Building for seniors who do not have access to technology,” he said. “The appointments for these seniors are being coordinated with our Office on Aging. The scheduling system will launch on Monday, March 8 at 8 a.m. on visitmonmouth.com/health.”
Commissioner Deputy Director Kiley provided updates about vaccines administered in Monmouth County and the County’s free testing program.
“To date, we have vaccinated 24,553 individuals at various points of distribution and vaccination clinics throughout the County,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley. “There have been 17,917 first doses and 6,628 second doses administered. As of March 1, the Health Department has administered 9,788 tests, with 770 positive results, as part of the County’s COVID-19 Free Testing Program, which began in July.” The Health Department is conducting contact tracing for all residents who test positive.”
