The Shop-Rite store on Fischer Boulevard in Toms River. (Credit: Google Maps)
The Shop-Rite supermarket on Fischer Boulevard in Toms River is one of 39 stores – and two in Ocean County – that will eventually carry and administer the coronavirus vaccine.
Shop-Rite pharmacies are following the federal government’s distribution schedule, and are taking a phased approach to the vaccine’s distribution, focusing on those individuals at highest risk of exposure. In this first phase, only persons working in the healthcare profession will be able to receive the vaccine.
Shop-Rite’s store at 860 Fischer Boulevard, Toms River, was the only local store announced as a vaccination site. In southern Ocean County, the company’s Manahawkin store on Route 72 will carry vaccinations.
“We are excited to be part of the initial stages of this unprecedented public health campaign as we begin vaccinating healthcare workers who are on the front lines in the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jeffrey Mondelli, Vice President of Pharmacy, Health & Beauty at Wakefern Food Corp., the logistics, distribution and merchandising arm for Shop-Rite stores.
For those eligible, vaccinations are available by appointment only, while supplies last.
For more information on eligibility or to make an appointment, Shop-Rite has set up a website, vaccines.shoprite.com where recipients can use an online scheduler. The store’s mobile app will also be able to be used to schedule appointments. Due to demand, appointment availability may be limited, the store said.
As part of its partnership with the federal government, Shop-Rite pharmacies have received an initial shipment of the Moderna vaccine, which requires two inoculations. Those who have specific questions or concerns about the vaccine should consult with their physician or healthcare provider. There is no charge to receive the vaccination, a statement from the supermarket said.
The store locations were chosen in coordination with the New Jersey state Department of Health.
“We stand ready to serve and will continue to provide increased access to this life-saving vaccine as new expanded eligibility guidelines are released by the CDC,” said Mondelli.
A full list of Shop-Rite locations slated to offer the vaccine is available on the company’s website.
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