Dozens of Northwell Health employees were fired Monday after refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Health care workers in New York had until midnight to receive their first dose of the vaccine or face termination.

"I'm calling on all health care workers. First, those who have gotten it - thank you. And for those who have not yet made that decision, please do the right thing," said Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Some health care workers in Hauppauge say the mandate is unfair and devastating. They are demanding the state take action immediately so they don’t lose their jobs for choosing not to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I don’t want to lose my job,” says TonyLunn Sterk, a registered nurse. “I’ve been there 21 years. I want to work every day. I didn’t run away when the pandemic hit. I stayed there side by side with my staff fighting on the front lines and today we're considered zeros from heroes last year.”

Other workers expressed concerns over their patients in the hospital and their own ability to pay bills if they lose their jobs.

Rep. Lee Zeldin and other legislators have called on Hochul to allow alternatives to the vaccine like wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and consistent testing, but the governor stood firm Monday on the vaccine mandate.

“Can’t we just say that it’s a basic human right,” Hochul said. “That anyone who goes into a hospital or health care facility will be treated by someone who has been vaccinated.”

Northwell Health said it has already parted ways with two dozen leaders who are unvaccinated, and they will also be terminating the rest of unvaccinated employees.

In addition, SUNY officials say those who have not received at least one dose of the vaccine in their hospital system by today, it will result in their immediate suspension and pending termination on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for NYU Langone says the hospital system is gathering data from all locations for accuracy and will report it once it's complete.

Stony Brook University Hospital says as of Monday afternoon, 90% of their employees have been vaccinated.

Unvaccinated employees were suspended without pay and received an email after getting out of work, saying in part, “Your continued presence on the job represents a potential danger to the hospital, patients and community and/or severely interferes with our operations.”

Mount Sinai South Nassau says approximately 87 employees remain unvaccinated and face unpaid suspension.

Catholic Health says unvaccinated employees will be furloughed for two weeks and then considered to have resigned if they are still not vaccinated.

Administrators at the Gurwin Jewish Health Care System in Commack says around 100 employees decided to be vaccinated in the days leading up to the deadline. The facility says it is down 27 employees because of the mandate.

“Losing any staff is difficult,” says Stuart Almer, of Gurwin Health Care System. “This is a very challenging time for all of us in terms of recruitment and in terms of retention.”

The hospital systems tell News 12 that patient care will not be affected.

An emergency room doctor told News 12 off camera that there will likely be some slowdown, but nothing that will threaten anyone’s safety.

Stony Brook Hospital could be planning ahead as they are holding a job fair next week.

All hospital and nursing home workers must have at least one dose of the vaccine to keep their jobs. The only way around it is filing a religious exemption.

News 12 is awaiting numbers of just how many health care workers will be out of work.

Some tell News 12 they filed for an exemption and were denied.

Health care works against the vaccine mandate say they will not give in to pressure.

“We didn’t ask to be in this position, we were thrust in this position,” says Donna Aliperti, a neonatal intensive care unit nurse. “And we’re not gonna back down.”

Hochul says she is ready to help hospitals that face significant problems because of staffing shortages. Should it be so dire, a state of emergency could be declared, and the National Guard may be brought in to help.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran says she is confident that hospital systems are prepared to give quality care with the mandate in place. She says as a precaution, she has activated Nassau's Office of Emergency Management to stay in constant contact with hospitals and to assist them with any staffing shortages.