The U.S. gave the go-ahead Friday to the nation's first Covid-19 vaccine, marking the beginning of the end of an outbreak that has killed nearly 300,000 Americans.

Vaccine shots for health workers and nursing home residents are expected to begin in the coming days. Possibly this coming next week.

Congressman Fred Upton said, "this vaccine is the pride and joy of Kalamazoo. It has been a labor of love, patriotic duty, and determination to restore our way of life and save the world.  I cannot reiterate enough how proud i am of Southwest Michigan  and all of the Michiganders part of Pfizer's Team.

This is a historic accomplishment, creating a safe, effective vaccine to help end this deadly pandemic."