For Immediate Release:

March 16, 2021

Contact:

Derek Sands

Director of Communications

Office of Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III

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BERGEN COUNTY VACCINATES K-12 EDUCATORS AND FACULTY

Over 700 school faculty staff received single-dose Johnson & Johnson Janssen Vaccine on Saturday, March 13

PARAMUS, N.J. – The County of Bergen and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center recently hosted a COVID-19 vaccination day for school teachers and faculty at the Bergen County Technical School in Paramus. The one-day clinic took place on Saturday, March 13 and was coordinated in partnership with the Bergen County Education Association, the Executive County Superintendent’s Office, and the Bergen County Superintendent’s Association to provide access to K-12 staff now eligible for the vaccine under new NJ Department of Health guidance.

The County/Bergen New Bridge vaccination team utilized the recently approved one-dose Johnson & Johnson Janssen Vaccine, injecting over 700 doses into arms over the course of the day.

“Ensuring vaccination access for Bergen County educators is critical to resuming full-time in-person learning,” said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “By utilizing the one-dose Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccine, in one afternoon we were able to vaccinate over 700 K-12 staff. As vaccine supply becomes more widely available, I am committed to seeing our students and staff return to in-person instruction in a swift, yet safe manner.”

“Making sure that Bergen County educators, school staff, and students are able to return to school in a safe and efficient manner is a top priority.” said Commissioner Chairman Steve Tanelli. “The introduction of the one-dose Johnson and Johnson Janssen vaccine moves us one step closer to returning to in-person instruction. The partnership between Bergen County and New Bridges Medical Center has been critical in safely moving us past this pandemic.”

“We are proud to partner with the County of Bergen to vaccinate our educators and take a vital step toward emerging from this pandemic,” said Bergen New Bridge Medical Center CEO Deb Visconi. “We recognize by vaccinating these vital essential workers who have worked tirelessly to educate our students, we move closer to fully opening our schools in the safest manner.”

“The BCEA is deeply appreciative to the County Executive, the Bergen County Department of Health Services, and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in providing hundreds school employees with an opportunity to receive a vaccine,” said Sue McBride, President of the Bergen County Education Association. Members came away with a sense of relief, a sense of hope, and an earnest sense of acknowledgement for the essential role they play. BCEA members have worked tirelessly and with the utmost dedication to their students, throughout this health crisis. The county’s vaccination efforts, on behalf of educators, are a tangible recognition of our members’ work. We were also quite proud to have partnered with the County Superintendent and the Superintendents’ Association, in coordinating this important endeavor.”

“The outreach by Bergen County to safeguard educators and children will play a major role in the ability of schools to return to full-time in-person instruction,” said Louis Delisio, Interim Executive County Superintendent for Bergen County. The event conducted on Saturday, March 13, 2021, was a well-organized, coordinated effort focused on serving the needs of the entire education community in our county.”

“The BCASA is proud to work with its County partners at the executive, health, and school district levels,” said Michael Jordan, President of the Bergen County Schools Association of School Administrators. “The shared goal of having the backbone of our school districts vaccinated is of immense importance, and we are grateful for being a part of it.”

A second clinic for public educators and faculty is scheduled for this upcoming Saturday, March 20. Availability will be by appointment only.

In addition, the jointly-operated Bergen County/Bergen New Bridge vaccination POD located at the Alternate Care Facility Annex on the campus of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center continues to operate six days a week for all eligible Bergen County residents. To make an appointment at this facility, please visit www.BergenCovidVaccine.com.

Photo 1 – Vaccination site was located in the gym of Bergen County Technical High School in Paramus

Photo 2 – Bergen New Bridge Medical Center CEO Deb Visconi with site staff

Photo 3 – Vaccination site staff unboxing doses of Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccine

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