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A nurse working in a hospital lab. Photo by BC Y-

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Sandra Lindsay

On December 15^th, 2020, Sandra Lindsay, DHSc (Doctor in Health Science), made the front page of the New York Post, Financial Times, and New York Times newspaper for being the first American to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Three weeks later, she received her second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, becoming the first US citizen to be fully immunized.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized administering the vaccine to the public on December 21^st, 2020. Lindsay, a critical care nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical center, Queens, set the stage for New York healthcare and nursing home workers to receive their first vaccination dose.  

Since her vaccination, her college and various organizations have recognized Sandra’s work in the health sector. She was granted the Robert Nesta Marley Humanitarian Award in 2021 by the Caribbean Heritage Organization. The Jamaican-born nurse was also honored by her country, receiving the Jamaica Cultural Alliance and Glenmuir High School Trailblazer Award.

Lindsay, an ambassador of Northwell’s Health, has continued to urge the public to vaccinate by participating in public service announcements such as one from her former school, St. Joseph College.

Find a brief insight on vaccines and ten things to know about its history here.

1. Sandra Immigrated To America When She Was A Teenager

Jamaican Flag. Photo By Jorono –

Lindsay was born in 1970 on the Caribbean Sea Island of Jamaica. She resided in her birthplace for most of her young life before moving to the US. When she immigrated, she joined her first college and proceeded to further her studies at other Universities in the state of New York.

After spending almost three decades as a practicing nurse in Queens, Sandra became a citizen of America through naturalization, earning her dual citizenship status.

2. Her Sickly Grandmother Inspired Her To Be A Nurse

Lindsay and her siblings were brought up in Jamaica by their grandparents. Her grandmother was diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension when Sandra was young, and she took up the job of attending to her.

Sandra’s time as her grandmother’s caregiver led her to her current career in the medical field. She became passionate about helping the sick, and in 1986, she immigrated to the U.S. to pursue nursing.

3. Sandra Graduated As Valedictorian

Borough of Manhattan Community College. Photo By Aude –

On Lindsay’s arrival in the US, she joined a nursing program at Borough of Manhattan Community College. After graduating as valedictorian in 1993, she joined St. Joseph College in Brooklyn to study for a degree in nursing.

In 1999, Sandra completed her studies and began working as a nurse at Lenox Hill Hospital. She continued her studies at Herbert Lehman College in The Bronx after working for three years. In 2010, Lindsay graduated with a Master’s degree in Science (nursing).

Since completing her studies, Lindsay has received two awards from her former schools: the Borough of Manhattan Community College President’s Award and the Herbert Lehman College Alumni and Leadership Award.

4. Sandra Attained Her Title As Doctor of Health Science In 2021

Lindsay joined Hofstra University in Hempstead to study for her second graduate certificate. She graduated from the school with a business administration degree.

After attaining her two Master’s and over ten years’ worth of work experience, Lindsay enrolled in A.T Still University. She majored in global health, leadership, and organizational behavior and completed a Doctor of Health Science in 2021.

5. She Was A Frontline Healthcare Worker During The High Peak Of The Pandemic

 When the pandemic broke out, Lindsay was in her fourth year as the director of Critical Care Nursing at Long Island Jewish Medical Centre. By the end of March, New York was the worst-hit state in the country, with over 30,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

As a result, the Long Island Centre was forced to open six additional intensive care units. Between March and May, Sandra and her fellow nurses treated over one hundred covid patients in the ICU.

6. Lindsay Didn’t Know She Would Be The First Person To Be Vaccinated

December 14th, 2020, marked the day the first American received the COVID-19 vaccination. At the time, people were skeptical about the possible side effects of the new vaccine.

 Sandra recalls the day as just a normal one, the only difference being that she was getting vaccinated on national television. The morning of that day, she was unaware that she would be the first in line to get vaccinated until she heard it announced by the State governor at a press conference that very day.

7. She Served As Grand Marshall In The 2021 Heroes Parade In New York

Table of Broadway, Canyon of Heroes. Photo By AviaWiki –.

The July 7th, 2021, Heroes Parade was one of New York’s biggest ticker-tape gatherings. It was held in honor of healthcare workers who served the state’s citizens during COVID-19.

The march, which took place along the Canyon of Heroes, had 13 matching bands and 14 floats honoring hospitals, city workers, healthcare groups, small businesses, and bodegas, amongst others.

Lindsay led the parade as the Grand Marshall, riding the first open vehicle from Battery to City Hall.

Here are some Unbelievable facts about New York.

8. Sandra’s Belief In Science Made Her Confident About Getting The ‘Dubious’ Vaccine

Laboratory Analysis. Photo By Michal Jarmoluk –

When the Pfizer vaccine was authorized for vaccination, it was met with doubts and speculations from Americans, more so people of color. Given the country’s previous history of medical abuse and explorative scientific research on African Americans, the hesitancy of the immunization shot was expected.

Part of the uncertainties was its effects on particular groups such as pregnant women, people with allergies, and lactating mothers. Some even believed its hasty development was influenced by pressure from the government hence making it less effective and safe.

In a 2022 interview, Sandra was asked if she had any doubts about getting the vaccine. She mentioned she was pretty confident and was sure about its effectiveness. Being a nurse, she had done her due diligence and knew what she was getting herself into.

Lindsay, who didn’t foresee the overwhelming attention since her dose, continues to educate the public on the benefits of the vaccine and booster shot. She aims to debunk the myths associated with the vaccine, especially among African Americans.

9. She Was Awarded The Presidential Medal Of Freedom

President Joe Biden presents the Medal of Freedom to Sandra Lindsay, Thursday, July 7, 2022. Photo by White House –

On July 7^th, 2022, Sandra was granted the Presidential Medal of freedom. The highest civilian award in America. She was one of seventeen Americans, including Denzel Washington, who was given the award by the White House.

Lindsay did not expect to receive the award at all. Previous recipients of it have been prominent and influential people such as former presidents, athletes, creators, founders of organizations, ambassadors, and activists.

The presidential medal has been awarded to over two hundred civilians and has only been rejected thrice since 1963.

10. Lindsay Enjoys Doing Transcendental Meditation During Her Free Time

When the coronavirus had taken a toll on the residents of New York, healthcare workers such as Sandra said they were physically exhausted and mentally drained.

Lindsay, an advocate for the mental health of medical practitioners, is a fanatic about practicing transcendental meditation. The silent mantra meditation has been proven to reduce anxiety and mental stress caused by work and daily activities.

 Traveling and mentoring are some of Lindsay’s other hobbies. She also enjoys reading leadership books and spending time in her garden looking after her plants.

Learn about other Jamaican people who became famous here.