Newark Pair Spend 50th Wedding Anniversary Getting COVID Vaccines

NEWARK, NJ — Judy and Alan Greene were hoping for a cruise. But all things considered, a COVID-19 vaccine made for a pretty memorable 50th anniversary for the Newark couple.

Alan, 88, and Judy, 78, spent their golden anniversary getting their second shots at the Meadowlands megasite in East Rutherford on Saturday. The Greenes said they feel lucky to have gotten through the coronavirus crisis without getting infected, especially with Alan having broken his hip last July, ABC 7 reported.

The couple are both retired educators. Judy taught sixth grade for 28 years, and Alan worked for more than three decades as a teacher and principal.

“Those 50 years went by very quickly, and I hope we have many more,” he told NBC Philadelphia.

• See related article: How NJ Teachers Will Get COVID Vaccines (New Information Released)

Many people in New Jersey, including seniors over 65, qualify for a vaccine but have struggled to get appointments, a supply-and-demand issue felt throughout the nation. But stories of older residents getting their shots have been warming hearts in the meantime.

In February, Union County resident Florence Cafaro, 98, got her second shot at Riverside Urgent Care in Watchung.

“Two days after she was fine, no arm pain or leg weakness,” Cafaro’s daughter said. “I hope this encourages more people to get the vaccine!”

• See related article: Summit Senior, 98, Gets Second Covid-19 Vaccine Shot; Can You?
• See related article: Millburn Woman And Others Help Elders Get Covid-19 Vaccines
• See related article: Basking Ridge Residents Connect NJ Seniors To COVID Vaccines

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