New Yorker Receives Nation's First Coronavirus Vaccine At LIJ

QUEENS, NY — America's first vaccination was given Monday morning to a New York nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office livestreamed the first vaccination along with officials from Northwell Health, the state's largest hospital system. The hospital in eastern Queens has treated more than 100,000 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.

"I know how horrific it was," Cuomo said. "It was a modern day battlefield."

Cuomo praised the nurse, identified as Sandra Lindsay, as well as all health care workers.

"You stepped up every day to serve others and you did it magnificently well," he said.

Michael Dowling, CEO of Northwell Health, expressed his confidence that the pandemic will be defeated with the wave of vaccinations.

"We will beat this. We will win," he said.

Dowling warned New Yorkers to remain vigilant, continuing to social distance and wear face masks.

Lindsay is the director of patient care service at the hospital's critical care unit, according to her LinkedIn profile. She said the shot for the Pfizer vaccine was like any other people take.

"It didn’t feel any different from taking any other vaccine," Lindsay said.

President Donald Trump extended his congratulations as well, celebrating the achievement.

"First Vaccine Administered," Trump tweeted. "Congratulations USA! Congratulations WORLD!

Watch LIVE as the first person in New York gets vaccinated: https://t.co/a3p8QOtK6w
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) December 14, 2020

First Vaccine Administered. Congratulations USA! Congratulations WORLD!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 14, 2020