The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners along with Lakewood Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr announced today that COVID-19 vaccinations have begun for Lakewood Fire Department members following the New Jersey State COVID-19 Vaccination Plan.

On Sunday, January 10th, Chemed Health Center set up a clinic at Lakewood Fire Headquarters and administered the first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to those members of the Lakewood Fire Department, Lakewood Police Department and Lakewood EMS that registered for the vaccine. Vaccinations are not mandatory, but are strongly encouraged. It is recommended that even those who had COVID-19 and recovered, or those who have antibodies, still receive the vaccine to prevent reinfection.

“This is a great day for the Lakewood Fire Department. I strongly encourage all of our members to take the COVID-19 vaccine offered through the Department to protect themselves, their colleagues, and their loved ones” said Chief Yahr. “Through our vaccination process, we will further improve the safety of our members during this pandemic and ensure that the Lakewood Fire Department will continue to protect the Lakewood Community our members bravely serve. Thank you to Hatzolah of Central Jersey, Chemed Health Center and Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller and to everyone at the township, county, state, and federal levels, as well as our own leadership, who have worked so hard to reach this important milestone in our fight against COVID- 19.”