Press release

On Wednesday, the day after the FDA approved use of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11, Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise and the county’s Vaccine Task Force began distribution of the shot at the Hudson County Vaccine Distribution Center at the U.S.S. Juneau building in Kearny. The Center was open from 1pm to 5:45pm, and distributed over 30 vaccines to newly eligible children. The Pfizer vaccine will continue to be available to children at the Center for free, with no appointment necessary. 

A full schedule of availability and more information is available at https://hudsoncovidvax.org/. 

“We are thrilled to see so many parents already bringing their children to get their vaccine at the Hudson County Vaccine Distribution Center,” said County Executive DeGise. “As Hudson County families are transitioning back to in-person learning, and many parents are going back to work, approval of the Pfizer vaccine for kids will make a huge difference in our ability to continue to recover safely from the pandemic. We are fully prepared to hit the ground running and ensure that all kids ages 5 and over have access to these life saving vaccines.” 

Hudson County has had tremendous success in vaccinating minors, posting the state’s highest percentage of vaccinated 12 to 17 year olds. In partnership with the county, the Hudson County Regional Health Commision will continue to work closely with municipalities and local health departments to administer vaccines to adults, and newly eligible children. 

“Working with Hudson County families and local health departments to make sure that kids are able to go back to school safely has been one of our top priorities,” said Carrie Nawrocki, Executive Director of Hudson Regional Health Commission. “We were able to begin distribution of the Pfizer vaccine to kids the first day that it became available, and we are encouraging all families to stop by our Center in Kearny to get their kids vaccinated, and get their shots if they haven’t as well.” 

In addition to administering the Pfizer vaccine to kids ages 5 to 11, the Hudson County Vaccine Distribution Center in Kearny continues to offer free vaccines and booster shots to those eligible, with no appointment necessary. They have currently administered 67,000 total doses. County Executive DeGise urges anyone who has yet to get their vaccine to do so today. More information about the Center’s hours can be found on their website. 

About the Hudson County Vaccine Distribution Center

The Hudson County Vaccine Distribution Center is operated by Hudson Regional Health Commission and overseen by County Executive Tom DeGise’s Vaccine Task Force, which includes representatives from the Hudson County Improvement Authority, the Hudson County Office of Emergency Management, County Department of Roads and Public Property, the Hudson County Schools of Technology and the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office. The center is located at the USS Juneau Center at 110 Hackensack in Kearny.