Officials said it was a smooth start with things kicking off at 8:00 a.m. Those who got an appointment were chosen through a randomized lottery. 1500 were selected of 225,000 who qualified.

Vault Health reached out to those who were eligible to secure all the slots.

When patients walk in, they are given a face mask and wait in line. After that, they check in, get their temperature checked, and get forms handed over to them for the process.

From there, they wait in line again until a station is open for them. There are several set up. A nurse goes over the process, asking if patients have allergies, medications, health conditions, and explain symptoms of the Moderna shot. The nurse also signs the patient up for their second dose.

Organizers on sight are making sure people don't have negative reactions from the vaccine injection and if they do, get them the medical attention they need. Patients are asked to wait 15 minutes before taking off and speak to a nurse practitioner while they're waiting.

Jason Metsa, the State Incident Commander for the State Emergency Operations Center, said he's never seen so many people happy to have a needle in their arm.

One of the people vaccinated was 66-year-old Michael Richards from Hibbing. It's a moment he has been anxiously waiting for. As a person with underlying conditions, he was really happy and said it has been a long year.

"It's hard when you are quarantining for basically the whole year. I didn't go to any stores because I have underlying conditions. I had open heart surgery, pneumonia a couple of times and so you just get so paranoid about it because if you get COVID in my case, it's pretty much almost a death sentence," said Richards.

"We are making sure that everything came together the way it needed to so that 1500 Minnesotans can get through today in an efficient, safe, and responsible way," said Metsa.

"Thank you for what you're doing," Richards said to the nurse administering the vaccine. She responded with a warm "You're welcome!"

Once Richards received his vaccination, he had a huge sigh of relief. 

"It's pretty emotional with so many people dying from covid it's pretty impressive. The vaccination it's a real godsend," said Richards.

"It's been a very smooth day so far we haven't had any lines outside and a lot of happy and smiling faces on the way out the door," said Metsa."We do anticipate that there will be other opportunities for both seniors and other groups to sign up but they have not been announced as of right now."

For now this is a one day a week event, as they wait for more supply. They will be providing updates for the next vaccination slot.

Metsa reminds people to be patient and to seek other options as well.

"We're doing the best we can to reach as many people as possible in the fairest possible ways and whether it be through a state program like this, I would say don't only focus on us. Make sure you're checking in with your local clinics, your local hospital your local pharmacy, to see if you might get in a queue a little quicker through any of those programs," said Metsa.

As a reminder, vaccinations are by appointment only. Click here to select the location, find contact information for vaccine availability and determine your eligibility.

To watch the original report and see related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website. https://www.wdio.com/duluth-minnesota-news/decc-day-one-covid19-vaccinations-/6006308/?cat=10335