JACKSON – It was announced during a recent township School Board meeting that the Lakewood based firm CHEMED had offered COVID-19 vaccines to staff members, some of whom were vaccinated that same evening.
In addition to teachers, the firm also offered the coronavirus vaccine to Jackson first responders and bus drivers. Jackson resident Mordechai Burnstein, on behalf of Mark Berkowitz, the chief operating officer at CHEMED, reached out to Mayor Michael Reina to inform him that they would be making the vaccine available.
Burnstein also reached out to township first responders and the Board of Education and soon after a CHEMED clinic was set up for them to receive their shots starting on March 17.
“With the country still being negatively impacted by this virus after a full year, we are all eager to get our lives back to normal and this is a huge step in the right direction,” Mayor Reina said.
The mayor added, “when Mr. Burnstein reached out, I immediately thanked him. With our first responders being the front line of defense, keeping them safe is a priority. The same goes for our Board of Education staff. The impact this has had on our school system and the children is awful.”
“We need to feel comfortable knowing that our schools are a safe environment for our children and families. The sooner we can feel that comfort, the sooner our children’s lives can get back to normal as well. The kindness of individuals, like Mr. Berkowitz and the CHEMED staff, is what helps get us through difficult times such as this,” Mayor Reina added. “We are more than grateful to be on the receiving end. On behalf of all of Jackson Township, I extend a sincere thank you to Mr. Burnstein, Mr. Berkowitz and the CHEMED staff.”
It was noted that currently, it has been difficult and challenging for residents seeking the vaccine to schedule an appointment throughout the county despite new vaccines being given the green light for distribution.
For those who are still finding it difficult to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, the Ocean County Health Department reminds residents that there are many clinics set up to schedule appointments with.
The OCHD urges residents to visit their website at ochd.org for additional information on scheduling an appointment to receive your vaccination. You can also reach their COVID Information Hotline at 732-380-5079.
