BRICK – Hackensack Meridian Ocean Medical Center recently initiated their first phase of vaccinating its staff team against COVID-19.
The staff members that were first in receiving the vaccination were critical care nurse Gretchen Peters and respiratory therapist Brandon Cadalzo.
“I was there in the beginning for round one of the pandemic and here for round two so I wanted get the vaccine first to show that I’m a leader in the fight against the pandemic,” Gretchen Peters, RN, said. “In addition to social distancing, washing hands, and wearing masks, the vaccine is another step to keep me safer in my job as well as keeping my friends and family healthy.”
Approximately 640 vaccines were dispersed within Ocean Medical Center to its health care workers.
“I reviewed the available data and concluded that the benefit far outweighed the risks,” said Sukrut Dwivedi, D.O., infectious disease physician. “I not only have responsibility to myself, but to my family, patients and the community and I wanted to do my part to bring about the end of the pandemic and a return to normalcy.”
“It’s our obligation as health care workers to provide an example to the community that we’re doing our part to help eradicate this virus,” said respiratory therapist Brandon Cadalzo. “I wanted to be voice for everyone and show that it is safe to get the vaccine.”
