Some seniors in Hoboken received the COVID-19 vaccine Thursday morning. They were among the first in the 65 and older group outside of long-term care facilities to get the shot, thanks to the city’s pre-registration program.

“I like to get out and move. If you don’t move, you lose it,” says Antionette Miller, who received her dose.

Miller is a lifelong Hoboken resident, proud grandmother and lover of dancing and cooking. At age 98, she is among the first in Hoboken to get the vaccine.

“Now I can go dancing,” she says.

Miller also says she will go see her 26-year-old granddaughter once she receives the second dose of the vaccine.

“It’ll be wonderful. She’s missing me, and I’m missing her. I only have one granddaughter, and I love her,” Miller says.

Hoboken began registering seniors for the vaccine earlier this week via the internet and by phone. When Gov. Phil Murphy made the announcement that those 65 and older were eligible for the vaccine, Hoboken officials immediately began calling people on the list to schedule their appointments at Hoboken University Medical Center.

“Today we are finally able to provide a measure of comfort to our seniors that life can get back to normal and that starts with a vaccination distribution we are providing here today,” said Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla.

Former Hoboken Fire Chief Richard Tremitiedi was among the first seniors in the state to get the vaccine. He says that his future plans also include time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“As a fire chief, I know what it takes to save lives – prevention and protection. And the vaccine will prevent you from getting the virus. We’ll get back to our normal way of living,” he says.

CarePoint has already vaccinated about 800 health care workers and first responders. It has 500 vaccine doses for the seniors – 50 were scheduled on Thursday and were given their appointment for their next dose.

Hoboken officials say that 36 senior residents have died due to the virus. About 1,400 have already pre-registered for the vaccine. Bhalla says that while he knows that it is ambitious, he hopes to get to most of them within a month.