The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Positive coronavirus test results were reported for another 21 Franklin residents, the township Office of Emergency Management reported on August 18.
That brings to 15,494 the number of Franklin residents who have tested positive for the virus since mid-March 2020, OEM reported.
The deaths of 233 Franklin residents have been attributed to the virus, OEM reported.
Note: These are the latest reported numbers for positive test results and deaths, as of the date indicated. These numbers may change, due to periodic inaccuracies in the reporting method. The Franklin Reporter & Advocate has no opportunity to check these numbers in real time.
The Somerset County Department of Health announced a special clinic focused solely for children aged six months to five years old at the Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School in Bridgewater. The location will utilize the FDA approved Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna pediatric COVID-19 vaccine doses specific for this cohort at the VoTech, while continuing to provide clinics for all other ages at the Senior Wellness Center in Bridgewater.
Children can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, can get sick from COVID-19, and can spread COVID-19 to others. Help protect your whole family by getting yourself and your children 6 months-5 years of age and older vaccinated against COVID-19. Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for all approved categories.
No appointment is necessary for these clinic. Parents or guardians who wish to vaccinate one or more children ages 6 months-5 years can visit the VoTech at 14 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater between 10 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on July 7, 14, and 21 and August 4, 11, and 25. Appointments are not required, but parents can speed the vaccination process by downloading a Moderna registration form<https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/home/showpublisheddocument/46084/637921901073550174> or a Pfizer registration form<https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/home/showpublisheddocument/46086/637921901347464019> and filling it out prior to arrival.
Children must be Somerset County residents, and have a parent or legal guardian consent and be present during vaccination. The schedule of additional doses is slightly different for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna pediatric vaccines, and providers at the clinic will work with parents to ensure a complete and effective vaccination schedule.
Currently scheduled clinics for residents 5 and above will be on July 20 at the Senior Wellness Center, 876 E. Main Street, Bridgewater from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Appointments are not necessary and registration will occur on-site.
The Somerset County Department of Health will hold its COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic once a month. The reduced hours reflect the wide availability of the vaccine in the community and lower demand at the county’s facility.
The clinic at the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater, located at 476 E. Main Street, will now be open on the first Wednesday of the month between 4 and 7:30 p.m.
Proof of vaccination, if applicable, is required. Individuals must be five years of age or older to receive the Pfizer vaccine, and at least 18 years old for the Moderna vaccine. Those under the age of 18 must have parental or legal guardian consent and presence at the clinic.
The Department of Health will continue to vaccinate homebound residents and offer pop-up clinics at senior housing facilities, group homes and other high-risk settings, as needed. Vaccine availability and eligibility requirements vary from clinic to clinic, residents are encouraged to ask about clinic guidelines in advance.
For a list of COVID-19 vaccination clinics visit, www.co.somerset.nj.us/health.
To ensure families and friends are protected from COVID during summer vacation, travels, and activities, the Somerset County Department of Health will be adding additional COVID-19 vaccination clinics in June and July. These include clinics at the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater on the following Wednesdays: June 22, July 6, and July 20, between 4 – 7:30 p.m.; and at the North Plainfield firehouse on Sunday, June 12 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Somerset County Senior Wellness Center is located at 476 E. Main Street in Bridgewater, and the North Plainfield Firehouse is located at 8 Lincoln Place in North Plainfield.
COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that individuals 5 years and older receive their primary series of COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals 12 years and older can receive a booster when eligible. Booster doses are recommended to provide additional protection after your primary vaccination series.
Help protect your family and reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus in your community by getting vaccinated and staying up to date on your vaccines.
The following interventions also may help to stop the spread of the coronavirus and other respiratory diseases:
- Everyone over 2 years of age should wear a well-fitted mask in indoor public areas where the COVID-19 Community level is high, regardless of vaccination status
- Maintain distance from others if you are not up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines and if you are at high risk of getting sick with COVID-19
- Avoid poorly ventilated spaces & crowds
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Monitor health daily and stay home when sick
It is important to stay informed through reliable resources. Follow public health experts such as the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/, the New Jersey Department of Health at http://www.nj.gov/health and the Somerset County Department of Health at http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/health.
The Somerset County Department of Health is the lead agency for public health emergency preparedness and response in Somerset County. Funding for these activities is provided by the CDC’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement through the New Jersey Department of Health.
COVID-19 Vaccination Sites
COVID-19 vaccines are available in hospitals and clinics across New Jersey. You can reserve your spot to get a vaccine by pre-registering in the NJ Vaccine Scheduling System *Answer some questions to determine when you are able to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Pre-Register with NJ State for the Vaccine
- Learn More About COVID-19 Vaccination
- How do COVID-19 vaccines work?
- Are COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective? How were they tested and approved?
- How will New Jersey distribute a COVID-19 vaccine? Is there a plan?
- Where, how, and when can I get vaccinated? – NJ COVID-19 Vaccine Locations For Eligible Recipients
The township OEM says that the best way to protect yourself and your family from this coronavirus and other diseases is to follow simple daily health precautions:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Stay at home unless you are essential or seeking essential services.
The New Jersey Department of Health is providing information to residents and has set up a 24/7 public hotline with the New Jersey Coronavirus & Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
