WATCH: LI Nurse, First To Get COVID-19 Vaccine, White House Honoree

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — When Sandra Lindsay got a needle prick in Dec. 2020, she didn't anticipate the accolades that would follow as the nation's first person to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

"This is not something I dreamed of aspiring to achieve," Lindsay, a guest on Friday's "Patch AM," said.

But, on Thursday, Lindsay got the ultimate accolade: Presidential Medal of Freedom award winner. She joined more than a dozen others from all walks of life at the White House.

She showed off the prestigious honor on "Patch AM."

"It was surreal. I'm still pinching myself," Lindsay said.

The critical care nurse for Northwell Health was proud to represent her hospital colleagues and all health care workers who have been on the front line for two and a half years.

Being recognized by President Joe Biden "sheds a good spotlight on health care, the value of health care workers and the monumental part we played in this pandemic," she said.

There was some moment of disappointment in the ceremony for Lindsay. The one honoree who did not attend-- Denzel Washington.

"It's on my bucket list to meet him," Lindsay, who lives in Port Washington, admitted. "I wish him well and I hope to meet him someday. I know I will. I'm putting that out into the universe."

Watch the full "Patch AM" interview with Lindsay below.