INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – This week, doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine are being administered in Indiana and state officials say thousands of Hoosier healthcare workers are showing interest in being vaccinated.

According to Indiana health officials, as of Wednesday afternoon, 46,000 healthcare workers have registered to be vaccinated and counting.

“That number represents thousands of healthcare professionals who believe the vaccine is safe and effective and who are willing to do everything they can to help us end this pandemic,” said Dr. Lindsay Weaver, CMO for Indiana State Department of Health.

At this time only front-line health care workers can receive the vaccine, this is due to limited doses.

So far, five Hoosier hospitals have received shipments and this number is expected to increase to 50 by the end of this week. In the initial shipment to the state, officials say Indiana received upwards of 55,000 doses.

They say as things move forward, the federal government will use vaccine availability and population to determine how many more doses Indiana will receive weekly.

“This is the largest vaccine effort in the history of the state, in the history of the United States, I would say in the history of the world,” Dr. Kristina Box, Indiana State Health Commissioner.

Although vaccinations are beginning, the Indiana State Health Commissioner says it’s still not time to let down your guard.

“While this vaccine is the light at the end of what has been a very long, dark tunnel, it will still be a number of months before we can make vaccine available to every Hoosier who wants it across our state. That means we will still need to wear masks, maintain social distancing, and stay home if you’re sick,” said Box.

Officials say they also hope to create an online dashboard with updates on the number of Hoosiers that have been vaccinated.