The COVID-19 vaccine has made its way to staff and patients at Connecticut nursing homes Friday as cases continue to spike.

Dr. Rich Feifer, of Genesis Healthcare, was the first staff member to get the shot.

The COVID-19 vaccine has made its way to staff and patients at Connecticut nursing homes Friday as cases continue to spike.

Dr. Rich Feifer, of Genesis Healthcare, was the first staff member to get the shot.

"These vials of hope have arrived," says Feifer. "Today is an historic day and this vaccine is critical to our ability to end this pandemic."

MORE: BLOG 
MORE: When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine? Here are 3 things to know about the shot availability
MORE: 13 things to expect when getting the COVID-19 vaccine

Several other workers at the Reservoir in West Hartford joined him. Patients also began receiving the vaccine.

Jean Peters, 95, made history by becoming Connecticut's first nursing home resident to get the COVID vaccine.

"I don't know how I feel," says Peters. "I feel great. I'm delighted to get the shot."

CVS and Walgreens are handling vaccinations at long-term care facilities.

Gov. Ned Lamont says it will take several weeks to get to all staff and residents across the state.

"What this means in terms of their health and safety," says Lamont. "What this means in terms of seniors who hopefully don't suffer the complications, don't have to go into the hospitals -- freeing up capacity in the hospitals."

Peters says this is a "shot" of hope for people who desperately need it. Peters says everyone should get the shot.

Lamont says he will get the shot publicly when the state health department says he qualifies.