WESTWOOD, New Jersey (December 15, 2020) – Today, Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center (PVMC) began administering the first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to frontline team members. PVMC will administer nearly 100 vaccinations over the next two days. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse, Judy Schuck marked the historic occasion by receiving the first dose.

“This is a significant and emotional day in our history and in healthcare,” said Emily Holliman, chief executive officer (CEO) of Pascack Valley Medical Center. “I am so proud and thankful for each and every team member at Pascack Valley Medical Center and the commitment they have demonstrated to the community over the last eight months in caring for COVID-19 patients. Today marks the day that we can thank them by offering vaccines. We see the light at the end of the tunnel and remain positive that we will put this pandemic behind us in the New Year.”

Judy Schuck has been an ICU nurse for nearly 40 years. She worked at Pascack Valley Hospital for nearly 23 years before it closed in 2007. When the hospital reopened as Pascack Valley Medical Center in June 2013, she joined the team and has been caring for the community ever since. Schuck has lived in Washington Township for the last 27 years and has three grown children.

“I’m ready,” said Judy Schuck, ICU nurse who received the first vaccine at Pascack Valley Medical Center today. “I’ve been ready for a long time to put this pandemic behind us.” In addition to ICU, Emergency Department and Medical/Surgical unit RNs, PVMC will continue vaccinating frontline physicians and other team members with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as the vaccine shipments are received each week.

About Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center
Pascack Valley Medical Center is a 128-bed, full-service, acute-care community hospital, located in Westwood, NJ providing the same nationally recognized quality care for which Hackensack Meridian is known. The hospital features a brand new Emergency Department, state-of-the-art maternity center, a women’s imaging center, cardiac and pulmonary rehab, center for joint replacement, wound care center and an intensive/critical care unit.

Pascack Valley Medical Center is also the only hospital in Bergen County with all private rooms at no additional cost to the patient. This inpatient hospital acts as an anchor to many in-demand, outpatient services such as radiology, women’s health and same day surgery. For more, please visit www.PascackMedicalCenter.com