Barnegat Woman Becomes Part Of Hospital's Vaccination Milestone

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Southern Ocean Medical Center reached a milestone on March 12 when they officially administered COVID-19 vaccines to 10,000 people.

Judy Rapoza, of Barnegat, received the milestone dose at Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center’s Vaccination Center, according to spokesperson Anne Green.

Nurse Briana Thomas administered the vaccine to Rapoza. Her husband, Tom, accompanied her during the scheduled appointment, where they both received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine.

"This is a happy day for both of us," Judy said. "Being vaccinated makes us feel safe and secure and opens up the possibilities of socializing with family and friends once again."

The following week, Southern Ocean Medical Center marked the one year anniversary of treating their first COVID-19 patient on March 17.

Hackensack Meridian began administering COVID-19 vaccines in December 2020 to frontline staff members. The network delivers up to 6,000 vaccine doses daily at medical centers and other sites throughout New Jersey, including the mega-site in Bergen County.

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