COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine said he felt “a moment of hope” Monday watching immunizations of the first health care workers in Ohio. 

“Our health care workers have put all they have into caring for their fellow Ohioans who’ve been stricken with COVID-19. They’ve put their own health at risk to care for others. And today we start the process of vaccinating them against this terrible disease,” DeWine said. 

Two hospitals, Ohio State Wexner and UC Health, began administering the vaccine Monday morning after shipments from Pfizer arrived a day earlier than officials were expecting this weekend. Eight more hospitals will begin vaccinating their staffs Tuesday.

The governor was at Wexner on Monday morning as the vaccine arrived around 9:15 a.m. The first shots were administered around 10:45 a.m. after the shipment was thawed and prepared.

At a briefing Monday afternoon, DeWine celebrated the immunizations and updated the state on the status of the pandemic, warning the virus is still hot in Ohio and noting it will take some time to vaccinate enough of the state to slow the spread.

DeWine announced Ohio has been selected by the federal government to be in a trial run that will allow the state to begin nursing home vaccinations on Dec. 18, three days earlier than other states. Between 5-10 nursing homes will be part of the trial run, the governor said. The locations have not yet been selected.

“We will have an advantage in our state that others won’t and that’s great, great news,” Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said.

Next week, Ohio will expand immunizations to more of the 110 hospitals that have applied to administer doses. That will coincide with the expected arrival of Moderna’s vaccine, which is still awaiting authorization. 

Dr. Rick Lofgren, CEO of UC Health, said the hospital system was honored to be part of the historic event Monday, while repeatedly warning Ohioans the virus is still out there.

The governor discussed concerns vaccine news might cause residents to let their guard down.

“I certainly have that concern,” DeWine said. “On the other hand, I think it’s important when you have times in life that it’s time to celebrate that you actually do celebrate.”