Gopal to introduce bill encouraging mobile vaccination sites

State Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch) said he would introduce a bill that would require the state Department of Health to coordinate the deployment of mobile COVID-19 vaccination sites with various groups next week.

“We all know that we will not get this pandemic under control until the great majority of our residents are fully vaccinated,” Gopal said. “While we appreciate what the administration has done in getting the mobile vaccination program up and running, my legislation will enable us to work together, with DOH, to extend access to this service to a wider sample of residents.”

The announcement comes after delays to the state’s planned mobile vaccination centers, which were due to hit the streets in March.

Gopal’s bill, to be introduced at the Senate’s April 19 quorum, would also require the department hire residents of vulnerable neighborhoods to promote mobile vaccination and virus-related health tips.