OMAHA- The arrival of the first batches of vaccines is just the start of what will be a long process to vaccinate enough Americans to battle the virus. Creighton University Medical Center-Began Mercy in Omaha received 3,900 doses of the vaccine on Monday. Bryan Health in Lincoln received about 975 doses. Both hospitals vaccinated over 400 frontline workers on Monday alone. Hospitals around the state will continue to receive the vaccine throughout the week to help their staff.
Healthcare providers say this is a light at the end of the tunnel. Many workers not only worry about themselves but are also cautious about bringing the virus home to their families.
Officials still stress that although there is now a vaccine, everyone still needs to be cautious and follow protocols. In order to achieve vaccinated herd immunity to slow the virus, it is estimated that 70% of Americans will need to get the vaccine.
The vaccine is 95% effective after two doses.