Warren County has the highest percentage in New Jersey of its residents age 65 and older vaccinated against COVID-19, and hit the milestone this week of 60 percent of all residents 18 and older fully vaccinated.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that as of June 2, 2021, 85 percent of Warren County’s 65+ residents were vaccinated, the best rate in the state.

“Today’s milestone is something Warren County should be extremely proud of,” said Board of County Commissioners Director James R. Kern III, who is liaison for health and public safety.

“Vaccinations are the key to ending this pandemic and returning to normal. Warren County’s lead with respect to those 65 and older is especially noteworthy,” Kern said, adding, “Our administration and county Health Department made this group a priority and the numbers now show that success. While we still have some work to do, we are confident we can increase our numbers further and look forward to a great summer.”

Many organizations and volunteers made this achievement possible, as independent, retail and grocery store pharmacies, St. Luke’s University Health Network, Atlantic Health System Hackettstown Medical Center and Zufall Health Center all contributed to this success by providing vaccines.

Under the leadership of the health department, the county alone held 72 COVID-19 clinics and administered 18,730 vaccine doses since the last week of December 2020.

Also among groups that made this possible were the Good Will Fire House, Warren County Southwest Branch Library and the Franklin Community Center, which opened their doors for county clinics. The Phillipsburg School District supported two clinics at the Early Childhood Learning Center and provided personnel as well as space. The county also extends a special thank you to the North Warren Regional High School who enthusiastically supported the health department by not only offering their gymnasium as clinic space, but also by going above and beyond to accommodate the volunteers and staff who worked these clinics until late into the evening. 

“While we are pleased with the progress made in vaccinating our residents, we still encourage all of our residents ages 12 and older to get vaccinated. Vaccination assures that you and your loved ones will be protected from COVID-19,” said Health Officer Pete Summers. 

To make a vaccine appointment at the Warren County Health Department, visit www.warrencountynjvaccination.org.