At @uwmnewsroom’s UW Medical Center, where the hospital system expects to vaccinate about 13 people today, according to spokeswoman Susan Gregg. List of those to be vaccinated includes ICU nurse, @SeattleFire paramedic, a flight nurse, an environmental services technician, others

Lisa Brandenburg, UW Medicine president, says today’s vaccinations represent a “milestone event in the fight to end the COVID-19 pandemic.” Dr. John Lynch, medical director of infection prevention and control at Harborview Medical Center, says “word for the day is momentous.”

“I am very excited about getting vaccinated. I will wait my turn,” Lynch says, adding UW will seek to vaccinate all employees and patients.l over next months. Says vaccine is “light at the end of the tunnel” but “we’re not there yet.” Urges people to distance, wear masks.

Amy Fry, a COVID-19 ICU nurse at Harborview Medical Center, says it’s an “honor to go first.” Calls it the “first step toward the end of this nightmare.” Says it “hurt less than a flu shot.” Feels hope for the first time in awhile. “It’s been a long, exhausting road.”

Fry said she’s been working in a COVID-19 ICU since it started. “I’ve seen terrible things.” Urges people to take this step to prevent themselves from ending up in her unit or others like it.

Emily Agudo — ER Nurse at UW Medical Center - Northwest said the risk of bringing COVID-19 home has been “something in the back of my mind.” Entering medicine, Agudo says she knew of the risks. But: “It’s hard to know your loved ones — they didn’t make that choice.”

Joseph Gipson, an environmental services technician, said he did not hesitate when offered the opportunity to receive the vaccine.

Alan Goto, an @SeattleFire paramedic, receives the inoculation. “I feel privileged to be here today,” Goto says. Adds that “we never really know” how much exposure paramedics have to COVID. “We respond to 911 calls - a very common complaint is respiratory difficulty.”

Mikaela Hagberg, a flight nurse, calls it a privilege and relief to be vaccinated.

Dr. Shahina Bhantanavasi says she feels honored to set the example, says she knows some people feel the vaccine authorization process was fast, but that all the proper steps have been taken.

Dr. Patricia Kritek, who performs pulmonary and critical care for UW Medical Center: “I think in Seattle, we’re used to dark winters. We’ll get through this.” Says vaccine is our best hope. Says vaccinating is “how we’re going to take care of each other.”

Patient Care Technician Myo Thant receives the vaccination.

Dr. Emily Martin, a 3rd year resident, plans to work today and tomorrow after vaccination. Expects a sore arm, and will stay home if she develops a fever, symptoms that resemble COVID.

Dr. John Lynch says more than 90% of @uwmnewsroom’s ~4,000 Phase 1a (patient facing, high-risk) workers are signed up for vaccination. Process will take a few weeks from these first folks to those scheduled later on. Vaccination starts in earnest Friday.

“I didn’t feel anything,” said Annika Lucich, who works in COVID acute care. Expects hard months ahead as cases surged this fall. Lucich said COVID care patients are “sick and lonely” and need interaction, which can be emotionally draining for caregivers.

Jules Mack, a clinical specialist in respiratory care at Harborview, says this moment will be “monumental” for family members to see. Some have pushed back when discussing the vaccine. “I’m going to stand up as a woman of color — to share: This is safe.”

Dr. Thuan Hong has been visiting long term care facilities since February. He gave an impassioned and emotional accounting of the challenges he experienced. (It was hard to hear, so I’ll revisit in the story if I can better understand through recording).