COVID-Vaccine Resource: Moorestown Mall Site Offers Sensory-Friendly Spaces
To learn more about the Burlington County COVID-19 Vaccine Mega-Site and to get notified when vaccine appointments are available, visit: www.virtua.org/services/covid19-vaccine-info.
Attention parents — or anyone with special sensory needs who’s planning to get the COVID-19 vaccine: The vaccine “mega-site” at Moorestown Mall is offering special accommodations for individuals with unique sensory needs.
The vaccination site offers dedicated, sensory-friendly space that offers quiet and privacy — and the vaccine can be administered right in the room. The room is accessible and large enough to accommodate up to three families at a time while maintaining social distancing.
Curtains separate the room into zones, providing privacy for each individual. A designated “safe room” with a door provides an extra layer of quiet for those who need it.
The room is sanitized frequently, and consists of brightly colored chairs, soft floors and walls and other sensory-friendly tools, providing a soothing atmosphere. Once inside the room, a nurse is assigned to each individual to administer the vaccine. A Virtua staff member stays with the family throughout their entire visit, and once ready to leave, they are escorted out of the site the same way they entered.
An appointment is needed to access the sensory room. Once the appointment is scheduled, Virtua staff will work with families to identify their specific needs. Prior to the appointment, Virtua staff will instruct the individual and their family to enter the mega-site through a specific entrance, in an effort to eliminate wait times, overwhelming crowds and noise. Upon arrival, a staff member will greet the individual at the door and guide them to the sensory room.
The vaccine site is operated by Virtua Health and the Burlington County Department of Health. To make an appointment. call the 1-888-Virtua3 or visit www.virtua.org/services/mega-site-faqs.
