BUFFALO, N.Y. — COVID-19 vaccines continue to be delivered to hospitals around the world. The VA Western New York Healthcare System was selected as one of 37 VA hospitals chosen to administer the first doses of the vaccine.

Dr. John Sellick was one of five people getting the Pzifer COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday afternoon, making history at the VA Western New York Healthcare System in Buffalo.

"A shot in the arm compared to a few weeks in the ICU, it’s a pretty easy exchange in my mind," said Sellick.

Sellick says the VA was fortunate enough to be able to get the specific ultra-cold freezers, to store any shipments they receive. He says it's exciting to be able to provide a vaccine that can potentially help get this ruthless virus under control.

"Getting these vaccines available will change the game here because not much has changed since March of this year," Sellick said.

Sellick added that he has confidence in the scientific makeup of this vaccine and doesn't think anyone has any reason to fear it.

"These MRSA constructs are used in other vaccines and cancer treatments so there is just no compelling reason to be overly concerned about this compared to any other vaccine,” he said.

Sellick along with the other four people who were vaccinated will be closely monitored and will receive their next dose of the vaccine within 21 days.

"We're all going to monitor ourselves and make sure we don't have side effects," Sellick said.

Not only is this a big event for Western New York and anyone receiving the vaccine, but also for those administering the shot.

"I'm accustomed to giving flu vaccines and I usually give 100 a day. The situation is still the same but it’s a different piece of equipment. Because it’s from Pfizer they're actually retractable needles," said Kristen Bly, who administered the shot Tuesday.

VA officials say 200 of their health care workers will be vaccinated on Wednesday.