VIDEO: Southern Arizona has played a major role in one of the COVID-19 vaccines now being distributed. It is home to the largest site in the nation for Moderna's trial.
That trial will continue for two years to study the efficacy of the vaccine, but now, frontline workers and first responders are being unblinded.
That includes a fire chief who's helping Arizona, and the nation, rebound.
"I was pleasantly surprised," said Chief Cheryl Horvath of Tubac Fire District. "I was elated when I found out."
Horvath is describing the moment she was told she did receive the COVID-19 vaccine, not a placebo. Horvath had almost no side effects after receiving both shots, as part of the Tucson portion of the Moderna Phase 3 trial. Quality of Life Medical & Research Center has already started to unblind the trial for frontline workers and first responders.