Chicago Fight Against Coronavirus Gets First Shot In The Arm

CHICAGO — The fight against coronavirus in Chicago got a shot in the arm Tuesday morning at The Loretto Hospital in the Austin neighborhood, a Black neighborhood among the hardest hit by the pandemic.

Five health care workers became the first Chicagoans to receive the COVID-19 vaccination in a historic moment captured in an online broadcast hailed as the beginning of the end of a global health crisis.

"You can see and feel the buzz of excitement because of this historic day here in our city. So, welcome everyone, to Vaccine Day in the city of Chicago. This is truly an exciting and important moment in our city's history," Mayor Lori Lightfoot said.

Folks gathered at Loretto Hospital applauded after University of Illinois Dr. Marina Del Rios on Tuesday morning became the first Chicagoan to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

MORE ON PATCH: Loretto Hospital To Administer First COVID-19 Vaccine In Chicago

While the ceremonial moment was a reason to celebrate, Lightfoot reminded Chicagoans that coronavirus remains a threat in the city, which has started to see an uptick in cases believed to be associated with Thanksgiving holiday gatherings.

“While we can see light at the end of the tunnel, we are still in the tunnel,” Lightfoot said.

Friday's vaccinations mark the beginning of what will be a year-long effort that begins with hospital-based healthcare workers. The city has received 23,000 doses and expects to get additional vaccine doses every week. The mayor and public health department commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady stressed it will take months before vaccinations will be available to the public.

“We’re probably going to be at it for another year before this virus is in the rearview mirror,” Arwady said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.