The Certified Homemaker-Home Health Aides (CHHHAs) at Anita’s Angels, Inc. are part of category 1A distribution for the COVID vaccine for CHHHAs in New Jersey. On December 11, 2020, the FDA approved emergency use of a COVID vaccine. Distribution began almost immediately. The garden state has a multi-phase rollout plan starting with healthcare workers in the first category. After that, the inoculations will open up to essential workers and then residents over 65 and other high-risk individuals.
COVID Vaccine Risks and Benefits
A review board weighed at the risks and benefits of the medicine before the FDA approved it. A placebo-controlled trial showed the vaccine to be 95% effective at preventing COVID-19. In the study of over 36,000 participants, 8 vaccinated people and 162 people given the placebo contracted the virus.
The shots are not without side effects. Participants in the study experienced pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, and fever. The COVID vaccine comes in two doses spaced 21 days apart. The FDA notes, “More people experienced these side effects after the second dose than after the first dose.” They are still investigating allergic reactions, so people with severe allergies should talk to their doctor first.
New Jersey Vaccination Sites
The state plans to open six mega-sites by mid-January providing 2,400 shots per day. The sites will service healthcare workers first, this includes distributing the COVID vaccine to CHHHAs in New Jersey. Then, people in categories 1B and 1C will start mid-February. The mega-sites will be spread throughout the state with over 200 satellite locations to serve local communities.
- Middlesex County: New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, Edison
- Morris County: Rockaway Town Square
- Hunterdon Medical Center
- Somerset Health Department
- Warren County Health Department
COVID Vaccine for CHHHAs in New Jersey
At Anita’s Angels, Inc., we take the health of our staff and clients very seriously. We are dedicated to doing our part to stop the spread and protect the most vulnerable among us. We are Families Helping Families. Call 908-788-9390 to learn more about our top-notch in-home elder care services.
