Montgomery and Hillsborough townships to co-host COVID-19 vaccination clinics

Montgomery Township and neighboring Hillsborough are operating joint COVID-19 vaccination clinics in May and June in an effort to increase the number of residents who are protected against the coronavirus. Both municipalities have vaccination rates above the state average, and more than 50 percent of adults in their county, Somerset, are fully vaccinated. The goal is to reach underserved residents and residents who are more hesitant to get a vaccine.

The Moderna vaccine will be offered at the Saturday clinics at the senior centers, while the pop-up clinics will use either the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine or the Moderna vaccine, based on supply availability. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins will be accepted.

At least two-thirds of adults in both municipalities received one or more doses of the vaccine by late April. “But the remaining residents are more hesitant and therefore more difficult to reach,” said Montgomery Health Officer Stephanie Carey.“

“Reaching hesitant people will take a big investment in time, to answer questions and build trust,” said Hillsborough Health Officer Siobhan Spano. “But that’s how we end this pandemic and get back to normal.”

Officials in both townships are eager to hear from local non-profits, service organizations, houses of worship, and other groups that might be interested in offering a pop-up clinic to their members and clients. To request a pop-up clinic, contact dpatel@twp.montgomery.nj.us.

“With New Jersey largely reopening in May, everyone should get vaccinated as quickly as possible,” said Hillsborough Mayor Shawn Lipani.

“This collaboration with Hillsborough is based on the fact that local health departments are best able to reach vaccine hesitant residents,” said Montgomery Township Mayor Devra Keenan. “It also addresses the physical distance between our towns and the county’s primary vaccine site in Branchburg.”

Clinics dates:

The Saturday clinics will be held from 9 a.m. to noon.

Saturday, May 8, Otto Kaufman Community Center in Montgomery

Thursday, May 13, Montgomery ShopRite Plaza, 4 to 7 p.m..

Saturday, May 15, Hillsborough Municipal Building (Senior Meeting Room)

Thursday, May 20, Location to be announced

Saturday, May 22, Otto Kaufman Community Center in Montgomery

Thursday, May 27, Hillsborough Municipal Building (Senior Meeting Room)

Additional dates in June will be announced soon.

The clinics can be reserved through the state COVID website at https://covidvaccine.nj.gov/ or via the Montgomery Township website at https://twp.montgomery.nj.us/covid-vaccine-clinics/. Residents uncomfortable signing up online can call Montgomery Township at 908-359-8211 x2400.