By Donald Gilpin

As the state of New Jersey has reported increases in new COVID-19 infections and transmission rates, Princeton case numbers have remained steady at an average between one and one-and-a-half cases per day, according to the Princeton Health Department.

Princeton Deputy Administrator for Health and Community Services Jeff Grosser reported on Tuesday a “consistent stream of positive cases” without significant increases or decreases in numbers. The Health Department on Monday announced 12 new COVID-19 cases in Princeton in the previous seven days and 19 new cases in the previous 14 days.

“The Health Department has tracked recent cases linked back to Halloween social gatherings leading to subsequent household outbreaks,” Grosser said. “But due to Princeton’s high vaccination rate (82 percent of those 18 years and older, 100 percent of those 65 and older) the cases we’re seeing are predominantly previously vaccinated individuals with mild or no symptoms at all.”

On Tuesday the New Jersey Department of Health recorded a 31 percent increase from a week ago in the seven-day average for confirmed positive tests and an increase from 1.04 to 1.08 in the statewide rate of transmission, with any rate above one indicating that the virus is spreading.

During his COVID briefing on Monday, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy suggested that the state will soon be expanding and simplifying booster eligibility rules, going beyond current federal guidelines to allow boosters for all residents 18 and older.

He emphasized the urgency of the coming holiday season and encouraged people to get boosters as soon as possible even if they are unsure of their eligibility. State officials have acknowledged that guidance from the CDC and many different sets of eligibility rules by age groups, occupations and types of vaccines can be confusing. California, Colorado, New Mexico, and New York City have recently announced that all adults in their jurisdictions are eligible for boosters.

Grosser noted that 24 percent of Princeton residents 18 and older have received boosters as of November 9, ranking Princeton with the second highest rate of Mercer County municipalities. He pointed out that the booster just became available to eligible populations in October. “Vaccine clinics continue to see a very steady level of interest, so at this time I would say Princeton is on the right track with booster interest and uptake,” he said.

Grosser expressed significant optimism about the Pfizer pediatric vaccine, authorized by the FDA and CDC about two weeks ago. Vaccination rates for 5- to 11-year-olds in New Jersey, Mercer County, and Princeton are currently being calculated, he said, but “it appears that there is just as high a demand for 5- to 11-year-old vaccinations as we witnessed with the 12- to 17-year-old population (currently 96 percent vaccinated in Princeton) when that demographic became eligible earlier this year.”

Grosser noted that Princeton University has been an active participant in the early stages of the 5- to 11-year-old vaccine rollout, along with Princeton’s local pediatricians and pharmacies. The Princeton Health Department is having its first 5- to 11-year-old vaccine clinic this week. Appointments are available through the state scheduling system at covid19.nj.gov or by calling (855) 568-0545.

Large-scale clinics focused on Princeton Public School district families will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30 and Tuesday, December 21 across the street from Monument Hall at 45 Stockton Street, formerly the location of the Senior Resource Center.  Vaccinations and boosters will be available for all eligible age groups.

The Princeton Health Department is also hosting COVID-19 clinics at the Princeton Senior Resource Center on Stockton Street and at the Griggstown Farm Clubhouse. Clinics at the Senior Resource Center on Wednesday, November 17, 12 to 2 p.m., and Wednesday, December 1, 4 to 6 p.m., are currently completely booked, but a clinic scheduled for Friday, December 3, 2 to 4 p.m. at the Griggstown Farm Clubhouse, 205 Griggs Drive, has appointments available.

Princeton University will continue to host Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccination clinics at Jadwin Gym open to the general public as well as University students, faculty, and staff. Appointments through the New Jersey Vaccine Scheduling System at covid19.nj.gov are strongly recommended.

Pfizer clinics will take place on Wednesday, November 17, noon to 3 p.m.; Monday, November 29, noon to 6 p.m.; and on Wednesdays, December 1, 8, and 15, noon to 6 p.m. Moderna clinics, limited to individuals 18 and up, will take place on Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m. on November 18 and December 2, 9, and 16.

Mercer County COVID-19 vaccination clinics, in partnership with Capital Health and Penn Medicine Princeton Health will take place at the CURE Insurance Arena at Gate A, South Broad Street, Trenton, on Thursday, November 18, noon to 6 p.m. and at the Trenton Farmers Market, 960 Spruce Street, Lawrence, on Friday, November 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grosser delivered his “best guidance” for Princeton residents, as the pandemic continues. “If you are planning on traveling for the holidays, meeting with relatives, or connecting with old friends, please get vaccinated and receive your booster as soon as you can,” he said. “We have seen a dramatic decrease in severe complications and hospitalizations resulting from COVID-19 infections in previously vaccinated individuals. Please protect yourself and encourage your loved ones to do the same.”