A couple who made the vow to stay together for better or worse and in sickness or health shared another experience Monday by getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Jack and Jane Faigle have always been by each other's side and today they received the vaccine at the Sunrise Senior Living Center in East Setauket.

"I have waited a long time for it," says Jack Faigle.

The Faigles are among many seniors on Long Island and across the country who are beginning to get their first vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people living in long-term care facilities, as well as those age 65 and older, be included in Phase 1 of the COVID-19 vaccination program.

According to the CDC, adults 65 and older are at greater risk of hospitalization or of dying from COVID-19.

Dr. Sharon Nachman, an infectious disease specialist from Stony Brook University Hospital, says the numbers are staggering. Nachman says eight out of 10 COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. involve a person 65 years or older.

Doctors say the good news is that seniors have less side effects from the vaccine than younger adults.

"They also seem to have less severe reactions," says Dr. Nachman. "We are not seeing anaphylactic in that age group either."

The CDC says seniors who get vaccinated should remain vigilant at protecting themselves from catching the virus and spreading it to others. That means to maintain social distancing, wear face masks and practice proper hygiene.