BERLIN — Across Europe, health workers and care home residents became the first on the continent to receive vaccinations against the coronavirus on Sunday.

In what EU leaders dubbed “V-Day,” the bloc officially embarked on a coordinated mass vaccination program, starting with its most vulnerable people.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the launch “a touching moment of unity” for the 450 million people living in the European Union’s 27 member states.

In total, the EU has recorded more than 336,000 COVID-19-related deaths since the first cases were registered 11 months ago.

Across the continent, leaders echoed the historic nature of the day.

“This date will live with us forever,” Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tweeted.