The COVID vaccine was released to the public in the United States on December 14, 2020 and millions of Americans are wondering when it will be their turn to receive this historic vaccination. Although the majority of citizen yearn for the vaccine, as of right now, only people who hold specific jobs are eligible to receive the vaccine because of a limited supply.

Justin Elliot, a 30-year old Hainesport citizen states, “I’m a little skeptical of the vaccine because [the scientists] produced it pretty fast. I will just continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing.”

According to New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub, the plan known as Phase 1A states that frontline workers and nursing home residents are the first to receive the newly-developed vaccine. 

The state of New Jersey has approximately 650,000 paid and unpaid workers, which means the possibility of being exposed to the deadly virus in the healthcare industry is high.

“Science is absolutely amazing,” exclaimed Alexandria Thomas, a 24-year old nurse from Mount Holly, “I am definitely going to take the vaccine when it is my turn.”

In addition, the website announced the plan titled Phase 1B will allow the essential workers and citizens with specific illnesses, such as cancer, to have the vaccine, as well as “Sworn law enforcement personnel and fire professionals…which includes but is not limited to police officers and paid and unpaid firefighters.” Phase 1B also includes first responders as well. Teachers are also being told to register for the vaccine on the website and may be able to be in the next phase of distribution, as the push to return to school continues.

Daniel Paterson, a 38-year-old Hainesport resident said, “I am certainly happy about receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. With my profession as an arson investigator, I will get the vaccine in a heart-beat because of my interaction with people.” 

In the previously stated article, it said New Jersey was assigned 76,050 doses to be administered to crucial workers from the federal government. 

Due to the high demand for the vaccine, Paterson voiced that he “…worry there won’t be enough doses…” for him and his colleagues. 

As reported by ABC News, Governor Murphy estimated that after the months of April or May, the COVID-19 vaccination will be available for the general public. Furthermore, Governor Murphy initiated Executive Order No. 207, which will allow residents to decline or accept the vaccine. 

The Wall Street Journal states that adolescent ages from 12-17 are unable to receive the vaccine, due to the lack of data from pharmaceutical companies, such as Pfizer and Moderna. However, in the year 2021, both companies announced that the vaccine will most likely be obtainable for teenagers.

“I would not take the vaccine next year because I’ve read many articles about how ineffective [the vaccine] was,” said junior Ayannah Corvil. “I would rather take it when I know…it’s actually going to work and prevent me [from] catching COVID.”

The vaccine caused Burlington County has seemingly split residents into two different sides: to either have the vaccine injected into their bloodstream, or to continue utilizing the safety procedures that were recommended by the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention. Nevertheless, each individual has one goal in mind: to do all they can to end the hasty spread of COVID-19.