As vaccinations arrive around the country at hospitals and other places of first defense against the COVID-19 pandemic, the Warren County government has also received its first shipment of vaccinations for county healthcare employees.

“We will be following state and federal guidance to help vaccinate those fighting the virus on the front lines,” said Freeholder James R. Kern III, liaison for health and public safety. “As such, we will be targeting emergency medical services (EMS) personnel and school nurses who serve in our county to be vaccinated first.”

Though the first shipment received has a limited supply of vaccinations, more is expected to arrive in January from the New Jersey Department of Health.

“We are excited to finally begin vaccinating our healthcare workers,” said Warren County Health Officer Pete Summers. “Over the next several months, COVID-19 vaccination will be the Health Department’s top priority and we will put every resource we can toward making vaccines available to our community as quickly as we are able.”

Kern noted that the Public Safety Department has been working with local agencies to make sure it has an accurate list of personnel who wish to receive the vaccine. The Health Department will notify EMS personnel and school nurses directly through their squads and schools with information on how to schedule an appointment.

Meanwhile, COVID testing is available at a drive-thru testing site sponsored by Warren County in conjunction with St. Luke’s University Healthcare Network at St. Luke’s Belvidere Health Center on Route 519, and through other providers as well. A list of testing options is available on the county government website.