COVID-19 Updates

SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19:

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus, and symptoms range from mild to severe.  The CDC lists the following as common symptoms of COVID-19:  

• Fever or chills 
• Cough 
• Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing 
• Fatigue 
• Muscle or body aches 
• Headaches 
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat 
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Diarrhea 

If you have these symptoms or have been in close contact (less than 6 feet away for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, please contact your healthcare provider or public health official.

If someone shows any emergency warning signs of COVID-19, please seek emergency medical care immediately and call 911.  Emergency warning signs of COVID-19 may include: 

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest 
• New confusion 
• Inability to wake or stay awake 
• Bluish lips or face 

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS FROM COVID-19: 

NJDOH and CDC recommend these steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Getting vaccinated, everyone ages 6 months and up is eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 
• Wear a mask in public to cover your nose and mouth (Masks should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance) 
• Maintain 6 feet of distance between yourself and others, avoid large crowds 
• Wash your hands often using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.  If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and rub your hands until they feel dry
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth 
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your sleeve, not your hands
• Stay home if you are sick and look out for symptoms of COVID-19 
• If you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, call your healthcare provider or local health department and get tested 

GETTING TESTED FOR COVID-19: 

Testing for COVID-19 is important to help slow the spread of disease.   Testing is available to all New Jersey residents, you do not need health insurance to get a test.  The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) especially recommends testing if you: 

• Have symptoms of COVID-19 (even if you are fully vaccinated or have recently recovered from a COVID-19 infection in the past 3 months)
• Have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated or recently recovered.
• You were recently in a large gathering where social distancing was hard to maintain or a crowded indoor setting and are not fully vaccinated or recently recovered.
• You must travel and are not fully vaccinated, get a viral test 1-3 days before travel and 3-5 days after travel.

See more information on testing recommendations and types of tests from the NJDOH 

• NJDOH test site finder 
• The Hamilton Township Division of Health has free COVID-19 test kits for residents.  Residents may stop by the Division of Health (2100 Greenwood Ave) M-F 9am-4pm to pick up test kits. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 please call ahead 609-890-3884. 

VACCINE INFORMATION

NEW!  As of 9/11/23 the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine formula is no longer authorized for use in the United States.  For the upcoming fall and winter season there is a new updated COVID-19 vaccine! Read the FDA News Release here.  

• The 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by ModernaTX Inc. and Pfizer Inc. has been updated to include a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant XBB.1.5.
• Why was the vaccine updated?  
  1. “The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing, and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time. Receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine can restore protection and provide enhanced protection against the variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States.”   Read the full CDC media release here.   
  2. The updated vaccines are FDA Approved for individuals ages 12+ and EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) Approved for individuals ages 6 months-11 years.  
  3. Vaccination remains the best protection against hospitalization and death from COVID-19. 

Eligibility and recommendations for the updated vaccine:

• Individuals 5 years of age and older regardless of previous vaccination are eligible to receive a single dose of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months since the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine. 
• Individuals 6 months through 4 years of age who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive one or two doses of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received). 
• Unvaccinated individuals 6 months through 4 years of age are eligible to receive three doses of the updated authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or two doses of the updated authorized Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.
• People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may require additional doses.  If this applies to you please discuss with your healthcare provider prior to getting vaccinated.  

Commercialization of the COVID-19 Vaccine 

• COVID-19 vaccines will transition from being purchased by the U.S. Government to public and private payers. 
• This means health insurances will now cover the cost of the vaccine for most people at no out-of-pocket cost. This includes private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. 
• No Health Insurance? Adults and children with no insurance can access vaccines at their local health department or a Bridge Program Provider at no out-of-pocket cost. 
• Contact your health insurance provider if you have questions about coverage for this vaccine.

Where to get Vaccinated? 

• Vaccines are expected to be available this fall at pharmacies and select healthcare providers, including CVS and Walgreens.  Your health insurance information will be required when getting a COVID-19 vaccine this fall. 
• Check with your local pharmacy prior to getting vaccinated, appointments may be required. 
• Hamilton residents (ages 6 months and older) with no health insurance may contact the Hamilton Township Division of health to get vaccinated, 609-890-3884 or 609-890-3825. 

Questions?

• General questions? Contact the Hamilton Township Division of Health 
  1. 609-890-3884 or 609-890-3825
  2. CovidVaccine@HamiltonNJ.com 
• Insurance questions? Contact your insurance provider 
• Personal medical questions? Contact your healthcare provider or child’s pediatrician 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Information on Travel 

Travel Info and Advisories from the CDC 

Travel Info from the NJ Dept. of Health 

Where to Find Additional Factsheets and Information Regarding COVID-19: 

NJDOH Communicable Disease Service- Information for Communities and the General Public 

Where to Find Additional Factsheets and Information Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines:  

NJDOH Communicable Disease Service – COVID-19 Vaccines 

CDC – Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines 

Manufacturer Vaccine Fact Sheets by Brand 

Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Fact Sheets: Click Here

Moderna Vaccine Fact Sheets: Click Here

NJDOH Guidance for COVID-19 for Certain Populations: 

COVID-19 Information for Communities 

COVID-19 Information for Schools (Child Care, K-12, Camps and Colleges/Universities)

COVID-19 Information for Businesses 

NJ Guidance for Sports Activities