Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation Medical Care and Treatment Site Photo: RNZ Pacific / Mark Rabago
The Northern Marianas began Covid-19 vaccinations on Saturday with the main hospital's Chief Nursing Officer getting the first shot followed by Governor Ralph Torres.
Chief Nursing Oficer Renea Raho was administered the first vaccine for the coronavirus at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation Medical Care and Treatment Site.
The Governor received his vaccine a few minutes after Ms Raho.
Mr Torres had promised that he would be one of the first to lineup for the Pfizer shots to instil confidence in the public.
He stated that he did not feel anything, but added the risk of not knowing if you can bring the coronavirus to your family is why you should get vaccinated.
Meanwhile, the CNMI's Covid-19 cases grew to 116 after another arriving passenger tested positive over the weekend. It comes two days after two others tested positive for the coronavirus.
Out of the 116 confirmed cases, 90 are from incoming passengers.
Meanwhile CHCC Chief Operation Officer, Subroto Banerji, said the CNMI finally receiving the Covid-19 vaccine meant the Commonwealth was "one step closer to normalcy."
Banerji said the shipment was made up of five boxes that contained 4,800 doses.
It will be administered to 2,400 individuals. Pfizer's vaccine is a two-dose vaccination series, given 21 days apart.
Banerji said they are expecting the second shipment of vaccines as early as next week.