Autism New Jersey together with Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey (VNACJ) Community Health Center are here to help everyone access COVID vaccination through our Special Needs Vaccine Clinic for individuals with autism or I/DD who may need special accommodation.
Below are some answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Where is the vaccine clinic located?
帕多瓦圣安东尼教堂
121 Bridge Avenue/Herbert Street, Red Bank, NJ 08629
For accommodations and support, you must first 预登记 and set up an appointment.
有年龄限制吗？
This site is only able to provide vaccinations to patients 12 years old or older.
What days/times is the clinic open?
Clinic days change regularly. Please send an application to set up a date/time for your appointment.
We have been unsuccessful at other vaccination sites. What accommodations are offered at the St. Anthony of Padua Church in Red Bank site?
Several families who have had unsuccessful vaccine appointments at a local pharmacy or mega-site have been able to get successfully vaccinated at our Special Needs Vaccine Clinic with guidance and support from Autism New Jersey and VNACJ staff. We are committed to meeting the needs of patients with autism and their families by offering the following:
Pre-vaccine appointment phone call with Autism New Jersey clinical staff to discuss the individualized supports your child may need prior to their appointment.
Ongoing communication with VNACJ nursing staff to outline how to best interact with and support your child/loved one during their appointment.
On-site accommodations, including a quiet environment with minimal distractions, limited wait times, and an in-car vaccine option to make the experience more comfortable.
“Just wanted to say thank you for this program. We went yesterday and everything went smoothly and wonderfully! We had tried previously at a local pharmacy, and it was a disaster. Thank you again for making life a little easier.”
How do I set up an appointment?
: Fill out our 预登记表.
: Our clinical team will review your requested accommodations and concerns and determine that the site can meet the patient’s individual special needs.
*The VNA nurses and medical staff will provide the vaccine in the safest and most accommodating way possible but are not trained and will not be available to assist in any hold. If you feel your child/loved one requires a physical hold, it is your responsibility to bring adequate support.
: Once confirmed, we will send you a link to schedule an appointment directly with VNACJ.
Are first/second/third/booster vaccines available?
All three vaccines are offered. 1st, 2nd, 3rd (for immunocompromised) and boosters.
I don’t know which vaccine my family member is eligible to receive. How do I find out?
您可以查看我们的 vaccine eligibility page 或者 CDC official website for updated information on vaccine eligibility.
I want to make sure my family member receives a particular vaccine. Can I choose the vaccine that my child/loved one receives at this site?
是的。 You can choose between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines when scheduling your appointment. J&J vaccines are not available at this site.
Can you describe what the experience will be like at the clinic so I can prepare my family member?
For most appointments, you will enter through the front entrance. Staff onsite will guide you on next steps upon check-in and completion of pre-appointment paperwork.
For in-car appointments, you will park your vehicle, and one adult will go inside the building to check in and complete pre-appointment paperwork. If needed, be sure to bring an additional person to wait with your child/loved one while you or the other adult checks in. Nursing staff will then guide you on the next steps and come out to your vehicle.
Be prepared to wait 15 minutes after vaccination.
What else can I do to prepare my child/loved one for their vaccine appointment?
There are several things to consider when bringing your child to their vaccine appointment. While everyone’s needs are unique, there are ways to help prepare individuals with autism for the vaccine，包括那些 挑战行为.
I would like to get a vaccine appointment at the St. Anthony of Padua Church in Red Bank site, but I do not have transportation to get there.
Through NJ TRANSIT’s VAXRIDE initiative, New Jerseyans can receive free support in their efforts to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
I can’t go to this clinic, are there other options that you recommend?
If an in-home appointment would be the best option for your child to receive the vaccine safely, you may be interested in the New Jersey Department of Health In-Home Vaccination Program.
You may request an in-home vaccination appointment by completing this Request for In-Home Vaccination. For assistance completing the survey by phone, please call the NJ COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 855.568.0545.
After you submit the request, the Department of Health will share information with a home health agency, local health department, or other vaccination providers and you will be contacted to schedule an in-home vaccination appointment. You can visit the webpage, How Can I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine I’m Homebound? to learn more about this program.
I don’t know if I should my child/loved one should be vaccinated.
We want to hear from you! Please feel free to contact us at 疫苗@autismnj.org to set up a phone or Zoom meeting with a member of our clinical team to discuss your concerns.
