It arrived in Saskatchewan yesterday and just after 6 o'clock last evening, a Regina physician and an emergency room nurse were the first to roll up their sleeves and get the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Dr. Jeffrey Betcher and nurse Leah Sawatsky got their shots at the Regina General Hospital where close to 2000 doctors, nurses and staff will be immunized over the next several days. 

Dr. Betcher had a message for us.  "If you're unsure about having the vaccine, I think it's really important that you reconsider that...It protects not only yourself but also those around you - your family and those who are vulnerable", he said. 

The reaction is coming from all walks of life from all corners of the province, including some encouraging words from a long-time local nurse who has given us over 3 decades of service. 

She took to social media and wrote, "Today I feel hopeful and relieved.  It is a day to focus on good news and not on how tough the last 10 months have been or how the next few weeks won't look like a normal holiday.  We will get on the other side of this, I truly believe that today." 

"Today it feels so good...to feel hopeful."