Monmouth Co. Hospital Vaccinates First Employees Against COVID-19

FREEHOLD, NJ - CentraState Healthcare System in Monmouth County saw more than 80 front line health care workers vaccinated with the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine this week, with each recipient scheduled each to receive the second required dose, officials from the hospital announced Thursday.

CentraState received 975 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, given to employees who are at the highest risk for contracting the virus. These high-risk individuals include physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and staff in the ICU.

In accordance with Centers for Disease Control and the New Jersey Department of Health prioritization guidelines, those who do not have close patient care will receive their vaccines at a later date as they become available.

“This is the first step in our ability to get back to normal, and an amazing day for our organization and the entire community we serve,” said John T. Gribbin, president and CEO of CentraState Healthcare System. “We are so thankful that our employees, who cared for patients with COVID-19 in the last 10 months, are finally on their way to having protection against the virus.”

CentraState’s team has also prepared for the receipt and delivery of the vaccines with the purchase of a special refrigerator to house them at -80 degrees Celsius until they are ready for use. Protocol was developed for the entire vaccination process, including scheduling employees for the vaccine and transportation.

“I’m very proud of the work we have done in preparation for this historic event,” said Tom Scott,
CentraState’s chief operating officer. “This challenge has tested the skills and tenacity of every
employee, and I can say with confidence that we more than passed the test.”

Details on the availability of the vaccine to the public will be forthcoming, according to hospital officials.