It's being called the beginning of the end.

Last night, a critical care nurse and doctor became the first people in Saskatchewan to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

This kicks off the first pilot phase of the province's immunization program beginning with the vaccination of nearly 2,000 frontline healthcare workers.

e [two of them] here to kick off our vaccine rollout. I'm proud of them for stepping up and carrying the message that this vaccine is safe."

Critical-care physician Dr. Jeffrey Betcher was one of those immunized.

"If you're unsure about having the vaccine I think it's really important that you reconsider that if consider taking it," urges Betcher. "It protects not only yourself but also those around you. Your family and friends, those who are vulnerable. I think of this as just another layer of protection that not only I have, but the staff around me and those I'm looking after have as I'm providing care to them...This is one step closer to seeing this through to the end. I feel so good about this!"

Leah Sawatsky is a critical-care nurse who works with patients suffering from COVID-19 every day. She had this to say after her shot.

"We're seeing people whose quality of life is getting taken away every day by COVID. It doesn't discriminate by age so trust the science and get the vaccine."

Vaccines will continue to arrive in the province with healthcare workers, care home residents, and seniors living in remote areas getting the next doses.

Critical care nurse Leah Sawatsky and Dr. Jeffrey Betcher encourage residents to get vaccinated.