New Jersey has announced plans for six "mega sites" to offer mass coronavirus vaccinations to people in the state.

The Rockaway Town Square Mall is one of the places that will serve as a vaccination hub for phased priority groups.

Other mega sites will be located at the Meadowlands Racetrack, Moorestown Mall, Atlantic City Convention, Rowan College of South Jersey and New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center.

The sites are expected to begin opening in early January and will immediately vaccinate front-line health care workers.

It will then continue a phased approached with certain essential workers and residents 65 and older with high-risk medical conditions receiving the vaccine next.

As the FDA approves the Moderna vaccine for emergency use, Gov. Phil Murphy says the state stands ready to provide it to front-line workers. Experts say logistically, the vaccine could be a viable option for mass inoculation centers.

Moderna's vaccine can be stored at freezing temperatures of -4 degrees and, after it's thawed, can be kept in a refrigerator for up to 30 days. It's unclear as to what type of vaccine the state will use as part of the mass inoculation process.

Morris County Office of Emergency Management Director Jeff Paul says crews are working daily to ensure the site opens on time.

"By launching this mass vaccination center in Rockaway Township right in our backyard, we will bring the vaccine to Morris County residents," Paul says. "But also to our neighbors and families throughout New Jersey, serving North Jersey as we continue fighting this deadly virus."

Following the phases, the sites will open to the general public with a goal of vaccinating up to 2,400 people a day.

Experts say in order to achieve herd immunity, 70-85% of the population will need to be infected or take the vaccine.