Bayshore Medical Center To Offer COVID Vaccines To Police, EMS

HOLMDEL, NJ - Hackensack Meridian Health, which includes Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel and Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, announced Thursday that it will now offer COVID-19 vaccination to New Jersey first responders, including fire, police and Emergency Medical Services personnel.

First responders can schedule vaccination appointments at one of 10 Hackensack Meridian Health sites by visiting www.hmhcovidvaccinefirstresponders.org.

The decision comes after Gov. Phil Murphy’s Tuesday announcement that the Garden State is moving into phase 1B of COVID-19 vaccinations, according to a news release from the healthcare system. First responders are among the first eligible groups in Phase 1B. Other groups in 1B (which are not eligible for vaccinations yet) include food service workers, New Jersey Transit workers, teachers, staff and childcare workers. Read more: NJ Expands COVID-19 Vaccines As State Begins Move Into Next Phase

State officials announced their intentions to expand as ShopRite also identified 39 new sites for COVID-19 vaccinations, including sites in Hazlet and Marlboro. Read more: 100K In NJ Now Vaccinated For COVID As State Looks To Expand

“New Jersey’s first responders are among the true heroes of this pandemic and we owe a debt of gratitude to their service, sacrifice and willingness to stand with us on the front lines,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE and CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “We hope this service helps protect those that have protected us and encourage them to get vaccinated for themselves, their loved ones and the communities they serve.”

Related: Updated Information As Monmouth Co. COVID Vaccine Sites Announced

Frontline workers and physicians in the 1A group will continue to be prioritized, according to the news release. According to the healthcare system, Hackensack Meridian Health has administered 13,000 COVID-19 vaccinations to frontline team members and physicians since distribution began.