News coverage on Monday forced on the first coronavirus vaccines to arrive at U.S. hospitals, highlighted by a scene in which a woman healthcare worker became the first person to receive the dose in the state in a non-trial setting.
Sandra Lindsay, a critical care nurse, received the vaccine live. She and others clapped after she received the dose.
Breaking: A critical care nurse in Queens, Sandra Lindsay, is the first New Yorker to be vaccinated in a non-trial capacity after the first doses of Pfizer’s vial arrived at Northwell Health this morning. “It didn’t feel any different from taking any other vaccine,” Lindsay said. pic.twitter.com/KSaYEQUTHE
— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) December 14, 2020
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo featured the moment at his press conference. “It didn’t feel any different from taking any other vaccine,” Lindsay told him.
Such public displays will likely be a common occurrence as government health officials seek to instill public confidence in the vaccine.
“I feel hopeful today, relieved,” she said. “I feel like healing is coming. I hope this marks the beginning of the end of a very painful time in our history. I want to instill public confidence that the vaccine is safe.”
President Donald Trump tweeted, “First Vaccine Administered. Congratulations USA! Congratulations WORLD!”
On Sunday evening, Trump said that White House officials should not be front in line to receive the vaccine, after a report that top employees would receive some of the first doses. That created some controversy, as the doses of the vaccine are in limited supply and are being directed toward healthcare workers and the elderly.
“People working in the White House should receive the vaccine somewhat later in the program, unless specifically necessary,” Trump wrote. “I have asked that this adjustment be made. I am not scheduled to take the vaccine, but look forward to doing so at the appropriate time. Thank you!”
The FDA gave emergency use authorization to the Pfizer vaccine on Friday evening.
