Roland Begay, a health care professional on the Navajo Nation, was the first person to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on the largest reservation in the United States.

Begay, a Navajo citizen, serves as a coordinator at the Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility in Chinle, Arizona. He was the first to receive vaccine at the facility on December 14, 2020.

"Just because this vaccine is here doesn't mean we stop or put our masks away," Begay said during a live broadcast hosted by the Navajo Nation Office of President and Vice President on December 15.

The Navajo Area of the Indian Health Service has been allocated 3,900 doses of a newly-approved COVID-19 vaccine. These initial doses are being reserved for health care professionals like Begay and for residents of long-term care facilities, especially elders.

Video: Navajo Nation Office of President and Vice President