HOBOKEN FIRST RESPONDERS RECEIVE VACCINE THROUGH RIVERSIDE, MAYOR BHALLA ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO GET VACCINATED WHEN AVAILABLE

Today, members of the Hoboken Police and Fire Departments received their first does of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at Riverside Medical Group in Hoboken. Approximately 120 first responders and law enforcement personnel were vaccinated through Riverside, while additional vaccinations were provided by Hoboken University Medical Center since Thursday. Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante received the vaccine with Riverside this morning, while Fire Chief Brian Crimmins received the vaccine through Hoboken University Medical Center on Friday.

“I encourage all residents to follow the lead of our courageous first responders and get the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “The vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective, and will help our community get back to normal once distributed widely. I thank the medical staff at Riverside and Hoboken University Medical Center for working quickly with the City to administer the vaccine to our emergency personnel over the past several days.”

“I looked forward to this day to get my vaccination because it shows our officers and I have confidence in this vaccine, and it’s a step in the direction of protecting our community,” said Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante. “I have done my personal research reading articles from top medical experts in our country regarding side effects, levels of protection created and allergic reactions as I am one who is allergic to several medications. The vast majority of medical experts have stated that the vaccine is safe and effective. I am confident sitting here today and getting this shot. I ask everyone to join me in doing the research, and consider the opinions of medical experts so they can become confident in taking this so we can save lives and get back to some normalcy in 2021.”

“Throughout this pandemic, Firefighters have been exposed to COVID-19,” said Hoboken Fire Chief Brian Crimmins. “We are now beginning to receive vaccinations at Riverside Medical Group, Hoboken University Medical Center and other locations. As Fire Chief, I proudly volunteered for vaccination because I feel that it’s important to protect myself, my department, my family, and my community from COVID-19. Based on communication with medical professionals, industry experts, and other fire chiefs, I believe the vaccine to be safe and effective. Two days after receiving my first dosage, I’m pleased to report that I haven’t experienced any side effects or reactions. I’m also pleased to report that dozens of Hoboken firefighters have similarly volunteered to be vaccinated and serve as role models for the community. Thank you to Governor Murphy, Mayor Bhalla, and our hero medical experts involved in carrying out vaccinations.”

“From the beginning of this pandemic the Hoboken Police and Fire Departments have been working side by side with Riverside Medical Group to make sure the people of this community had access to testing and treatment for COVID-19,” said Dr. Raj Brahmbhatt, Chief Medical Officer of Riverside Medical Group. “Our commitments now are also focused to assure that these hard working first responders are vaccinated so they can continue the strong work they have been doing to protect and serve the people of Hoboken. The efforts of Riverside Medical with the support of Mayor Bhalla and his strong team will be ongoing till the end of this pandemic.”

Riverside Medical Group has administered approximately 10,000 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at their offices in New Jersey since the start of the vaccination period.