Drive to get the COVID-19 vaccine on the Los Angeles fire department flags

Efforts to protect Los Angeles Fire Department personnel from COVID-19 have almost been halted as many firefighters refuse to take the vaccine.

At the end of last year, firefighters were the first city workers to gain access to the shots. After a first surge of activity, the number who turned up for the vaccine plummeted.

Last week, only 143 firefighters visited one of the department’s vaccination centers, according to data released by the city on Friday evening. So far, 1,944 of just under 3,400 agency staff have been inoculated, leaving 4 in 10 vulnerable to the highly infectious coronavirus.

The reluctance of Los Angeles firefighters adds to the list of state health care workers refusing to take the vaccine, a trend that health experts say could have serious public health implications.

Firefighters are on the front lines of the pandemic, many working as paramedics and emergency medical technicians. More than 830 firefighters in the city – nearly a quarter of the force – have tested positive so far. Two have died, most recently Captain George Roque, 57, a 22-year veteran.

As part of their work in responding to 911 calls and getting patients to emergency rooms, many firefighters are in regular contact with sick patients. Regardless of whether they get vaccinated, they are required to wear protective equipment at work.

Mayor Eric Garcetti said on Friday he would “potentially” make vaccination mandatory if firefighters remain reluctant in a few months.

“This is something that we are talking about, especially those who will be interacting with the public,” Garcetti said, adding that other workers in the city could also face mandatory vaccinations.

Representatives for United Firefighters from Los Angeles City Local 112 did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Garcetti’s remarks.

In an effort to encourage participation, Fire Chief Ralph M. Terrazas decided to offer prizes to those who have been vaccinated. Vaccinated firefighters enter a raffle where giveaways include Canary home security cameras, Google Nest entertainment systems, Aventon fixed-gear bikes, and gift cards for Airbnb and Lyft.

The donations are funded by the LAFD Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to support the department, according to a memo distributed by Terrazas and obtained by The Times.

“We educate our members with the facts about the vaccine and we anticipate that over time the number of members vaccinated will continue to increase,” said David Ortiz, a spokesperson for the Fire Agency of the city. “At the moment, we do not plan to mandate him.