COVID vaccinations begin at veterans homes; AC Convention Center named vaccination site

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A file image shows a medical worker preparing a vaccine during a COVID-19 vaccine trial. (Photo by Adriana Adie/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

New Jersey - New Jersey officials have started coronavirus vaccinations at three veterans' care homes, and a state agency approved the use of the Atlantic City Convention Center as a vaccination site.

Residents and staff of the Paramus Veterans Memorial Home began receiving vaccinations on Monday, and vaccinations are due to begin over the next week at the Menlo Park and Vineland Veterans Memorial Homes, state officials said Tuesday.

"Our veterans were there for us in our time of greatest need," said Gov. Phil Murphy. "Now it is our turn to protect them with the distribution of lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines. While this pandemic is far from over, these vaccines will undoubtedly reduce the risk of severe illness or death among the residents of our veterans memorial homes."

Residents and staff will receive the second dose of the vaccines three weeks after the first dose.

In other virus-related news, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority approved an agreement Tuesday for the Atlantic City Convention Center to serve as a site for mass vaccinations starting next month.

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The vaccination site is scheduled to open by mid-January and will run through June with three, 30-day extensions available if needed, officials said.

The Atlantic City Convention Center was one of six New Jersey sites chosen to administer the COVID-19 vaccinations.

Others include the Meadowlands sports complex in Bergen County; Rockaway Townsquare Mall in Morris County; the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Middlesex County; Moorestown Mall in Burlington County, and Rowan College of South Jersey in Gloucester County.