COVID cases are on the rise, prompting the Burlington County Health Department to urge caution and remind residents that testing, vaccines and booster shots are still accessible at county testing and vaccination sites.
“We’re seeing a rise in local COVID cases, so we want to remind residents that resources are still available to help protect themselves and their families, friends and co-workers,” said Health Department Director Dr. Herb Conaway. “Testing is still extremely important so we can identify COVID cases and try to contain the virus’ spread, but the best defense against severe disease is for residents to get vaccinated and boosted. Children ages 5 and up are also now eligible for boosters, so we’re encouraging them and all others to get the extra dose right away to help strengthen their immunity.”
Testing is available five days a week at the Burlington County Testing Site located in the Willingboro Town Center, 4390 Route 130 North, Willingboro. The site is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
PCR test samples are taken with short nasal swabs and results are typically reported within 48 hours.
Vaccines and boosters are available at the Burlington County Vaccine Mega-Site located at 1190 Nixon Drive in Mount Laurel. The site is open for walk-ins and appointments on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. (except for May 27 when the hours will be 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.) and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended children 5 and up get boosted five months after their first series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and two months after the single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine. A second booster dose is also recommended for all residents 50 and older and for anyone 12 and up who is moderately to severely immunocompromised.
More than 337,000 Burlington County residents have now received their primary series dose of COVID vaccine, amounting to about 80 percent of the eligible population. More than 175,000 residents have also received boosters.
“Vaccines and boosters are proven to be safe and effective protection against the most serious impacts of COVID,” said Conaway. “Burlington County is among the state leaders in rates of vaccinations and boosters, but we know there are still vulnerable people living here and that the virus is still present and spreading. If you or your child is eligible for a first or second booster, now is the time to act to get the strongest possible protection this summer.”
