LIJ frontline healthcare professionals receive their first COVID-19 vaccination

Monday was a historic day in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On December 14, a New York hospital received a shipment of Pfizer vaccine, with Sandra Lindsey RN, critical care director of the Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center, as the first recipient.

A significant opportunity was streamed live around 9:20 am, during which Governor Andrew Cuomo watched remotely, while Northwell Health CEO Michael Dowling observed Lindsey directly when he was vaccinated. The feat continued to applaud after it was injected into her arm.

Following this vaccination, there were two other vaccination recipients. The latest of these was Stephanie of the Registered Nurse. Proudly sitting in the examination chair as she stretched her arms, she was the first to move forward during this pandemic.

Once administered, Stephanie gladly shouted to the crowd of spectators that he was in a great mood.

Among the thousands of people who died from the COVID-19 virus, this breakthrough vaccine is spreading to cities across the United States in time for vacations.

At a meeting at 11:00 am, Dowling told the media by emphasizing that vaccinations are here, but individuals should not be lazy about their precautions. It is still extremely important for everyone to wear a mask, wash their hands and maintain social distance.

“We have been at the epicenter of the COVID crisis since March. We have seen more than 100,000 COVID patients. Today is a very special day. Vaccines are available at the end of the tunnel. We see the light. It is a great opportunity for us to have the confidence, hope and positive attitude that we can all work together to end this COVID crisis, “says Dowling.

At LIJ, inoculations were distributed in waves during the press conference, allowing a group of journalists to capture the scene to the world. This vaccination has undergone several studies and has been emphasized by LIJ authorities as the only way to return to normal.

Douring started by introducing Lindsey, the first recipient, and provided everyone with the latest information on how they felt after being vaccinated after 9:30 am.

“Today is special to me. Ultimately it should give you all the hope that the vaccine is here. I think the vaccine is safe. I am confident in science. This is in our lives. It marks the beginning of the end of a very dark time inside. So I can feel hope today. My arms are fine. It’s no different from getting a regular vaccine. For the past 10 months, I am relieved to my colleagues who have been working hard on the front lines. As a leader in the health system, I think it was important to vaccinate, set an example and guide, so I am grateful. I can’t do that. I’m not asking the staff to do anything I don’t do, “Linsey said.

Depending on the supply to health care workers, distribution will continue for four to six weeks, health officials said.

The choice of patients to be vaccinated by the hospital was based on whether it included an ultra-low temperature storage area for Pfizer vaccine vials. The contents of this vaccine are very sensitive and should be placed in the freezer within 90 seconds of being removed from the packed dry ice.

Cuomo devised a hierarchy of who would be vaccinated first. Front-line healthcare professionals with high exposure to COVID-19. This is followed by nursing home staff and individuals residing in those facilities.

After these vaccinations have been distributed, individuals working in highly interacting and important professions, such as firefighters and teachers, are next to the list.