More of New Jersey's health care workers got their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine today, including the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital campus in Somerset.

The Somerset campus spent the morning vaccinating more of its front-line workers, and everyone that spoke with News 12 is not only excited, but relieved to return to work directly with COVID-19 patients. 

“I am protecting myself, my family, my patients,” says senior phlebotomist Darwesh Syed.

Syed feels peace of mind after his vaccination. He's worked with the hospital for 32 years and works directly with COVID-19 patients, as do Jennilyn Juan Darre; Soo Hoo, who were also among the first vaccinated this morning. They encourage others, who may be apprehensive, to do the same. 

“I'm a major believer in science and I don't think that any safety protocols were bypassed in the creation of this vaccination,” says Juan.

"They should not be apprehensive, they should take it,” says Soo Hoo. “Anytime more people could protect themselves, the better."

The state is receiving 100,000, or 20%, fewer doses of the Pfizer vaccine than initially reported this time around because of a planning error that Operation Warp Speed apologized for, but president and CEO of RWJ Somerset, Tony Cava doesn't believe it'll set the state back during this round of doses. 

"I think we have enough vaccines to do our 1a category, which are all those in high risk both here in Somerset and within our healthcare system,” says Cava.

The hospital aims at vaccinating 96 people today, which is 12 patients per hour throughout the 8-hour day. It hopes to roll through all of its 1,900 doses over the next three weeks. Those who get vaccinated today are due for their second round in 21 days.