A potentially lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine began rolling out across the country Monday.

The first shot given in New York was to a critical care nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center who has been on the front lines the entire pandemic.

Meanwhile, front-line workers at other hospitals on Long Island are also getting vaccinated and across the country as the Pfizer vaccine deliveries continue.

Long Island Jewish Hospital Director of Critical Care Nursing Sandra Lindsay has been at the forefront of the pandemic for the last 10 months.

Lindsay volunteered to go first because she wants the public to have confidence in the lifesaving vaccine.

"I believe in science. As a nurse, my practice is guided by science so I trust science. What I don't trust is if I contract COVID; I don't know how it will impact me or those who I come in contact with so I encourage everyone to take the vaccine," says Lindsay.

The second person to get the shot was Dr. Yves Duroseau, the head of emergency medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital.

"This is a hopeful day, it's very important that when the vaccine comes that we feel confident in the science, that it's OK to take," says Duroseau.

Both volunteers say they lost family members to COVID-19. They're also hoping to ease vaccine skepticism in Black and Hispanic communities, which have been disproportionately affected by the virus.

The first doses in a two-dose course of Pfizer's vaccine were given by Northwell Health's Dr. Michelle Chester.

It's going to be a busy few days for front-line workers. At Northwell, they have a list of the doctors and nurses who will get the vaccine this week.

Northwell officials tell News 12 that the vaccine will go to employees in areas like the ER that have the most exposure to coronavirus patients, and to those with underlying conditions.

The vaccines will be staggered in departments, in case anyone experiences side effects.

In three weeks, everyone that gets vaccinated Monday will get round two. They are keeping a second dose set aside so there are no concerns about running out beforehand.

Lindsay and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who watched by video, said the arrival of vaccines in no way means letting our guard down. Even those who get vaccinated need to continue to wear masks and social distance until availability is more widespread.