NJ Cooling Centers

When temperatures soar, Cooling Centers are typically opened to keep you cool in the summer heat. Find open locations here.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19)

New Jersey's COVID-19 Information Hub answers your questions about COVID-19 and offers fast links for commonly requested information.

COVID-19 Vaccination & Boosters

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. CDC recommends the primary series of COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone ages 6 months and older. Updated Bivalent Pfizer and Moderna boosters that offers stronger protections against severe illness and death from the Omicron variant are now available for everyone ages 6 months and older. The CDC offers additional guidance for those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. 

Vaccines are available to all New Jerseyans at no cost, regardless of immigration or insurance status. New Jerseyans can get vaccinated by:

  1. Using the NJ Vaccine Appointment Finder for walk-in sites or to make appointments.
  2. Attending a local pop-up vaccination event
  3. Calling the special Senior (65+) Hotline for vaccination by dialing 855-429-1168.
  4. Requesting in-home vaccination by calling 855-568-0545 or by completing the form online (Spanish form). This is only available to those who are homebound. 

Free transportation may be available to vaccination sites through NJ TRANSIT’s VAXRIDE initiative

After receiving your vaccination, the Docket app, from the NJ Department of Health, will help you keep you and your family’s COVID-19 vaccination records securely at your fingertips.

Established Coronavirus Test Sites and Contact Tracing

If you have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19 or if you have participated in a high-risk activity, you may have been exposed to COVID-19 and should be tested. Everyone is eligible for COVID-19 testing regardless of immigration or insurance status.

At-Home Tests 

Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-⁠19 tests. If you have health insurance, your insurance will pay you back for 8 at-⁠home tests each month for each person on your plan. Designed for people with visual impairments, Ellume at-home COVID-19 tests provide audio instructions and test results through the use of a smartphone app.

Next Steps After Testing

Follow instructions from your testing site to receive your testing results. If you test positive for COVID-19, you should follow the most up-to-date guidelines from the State of New Jersey. You may also be contacted by a contact tracer from the State of New Jersey with additional information. You should notify anyone you have had close contact with that they may have been exposed.

Current News from State Officials

Call Line Opened to Answer Questions

Have your medical-related questions about COVID-19 answered by a healthcare professional by calling the Coronavirus Hotline at the New Jersey Poison Control Center at 800-962-1253. The hotline is available 24/7 and services are free and confidential. Information can be given in any language.

News and Resources for Personal Matters

    Funeral Expenses - FEMA is providing up to $9,000 in funeral assistance to those who have lost family members to COVID-19 on or after January 20, 2020. To be eligible, the death must have occurred in the United States and/or its territories, must have been documented to be attributed to COVID-19, and the applicant must be a United States citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien. The deceased person does not have to be a citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien. Applications are accepted via the FEMA call center at 844-684-6333. The COVID-19 incident period will come to an end on May 11, 2023. FEMA will continue to provide funeral assistance until Sept. 30, 2025, to those who have lost loved ones due to this pandemic. Learn more about eligibility and the documentation needed.

    Housing - To find out about programs that have been created or expanded to address housing concerns, visit our COVID-19 Housing page.

    Immigrant Access to Services - We want to make sure you and your family have access to food assistance, housing programs, and health care without fear. Here is a fact sheet to let you know what programs you can access. The new Public Charge final rule from the federal government may apply to you, and this quick guide can help you make informed decisions for your family. You can also see updated information here.

    Legal Services - The Legal Services of New Jersey is providing services remotely. If you are seeking assistance with a civil legal matter, you may file an application online or contact them at 888-576-5529 (from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.). Monthly newsletters published by this organization are always informational and focus on current topics of concern.

    Mental HealthTo find out about programs that address mental health concerns, visit our Mental Health page.

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