The Ocean City Community Services Department has put together a team of staff members and volunteers to help Ocean City residents who may have no or limited ability to complete the online registration or scheduling process for COVID-19 vaccinations.
All 65-and-overs and residents ages 16 to 64 with medical conditions that put them at risk are currently eligible to receive the vaccine. The team will do its best to schedule appointments, but this program offers no guarantee of receiving a vaccination. Vaccine supplies remain limited.
The team has no special access to any vaccine program, but members are familiar with the online scheduling systems and willing to do the work and the waiting on behalf of Ocean City seniors trying to schedule appointments. The team started Monday and already has been successful in helping seniors secure appointments.
Margie Compagnola, 72, of West 17th Street in Ocean City called the city with her information on Monday and received her first vaccination shot on Wednesday at the megasite in Atlantic City.
“It was so easy. I didn’t have to do anything,” said Compagnola, who also noted the ease and efficiency of the site at the Atlantic City Convention Center. “It was just a wonderful experience, and now I can go see my grandchildren.”
Residents in need of this service can call 609-399-6111 or stop by the Ocean City Community Center (1735 Simpson Avenue), City Hall Welcome Center (861 Asbury Avenue) or 46th Street Welcome Center (46th Street and West Avenue) to provide the information necessary to make sure you are registered with the New Jersey State Vaccine Registration System (which will put you in line for vaccinations in Cape May County as they become available) and possibly schedule an appointment at other available sites.
“Even if we can help only a few residents at a time, this effort will be worthwhile,” Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian said. “I know we’re all anxious to be safe and get back to normal.
