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Only 55% of the city’s firefighters showed up for a coronavirus vaccine, a number lower than initially announced, Los Angeles Fire Department officials said on Monday.
Fire Chief Ralph M. Terrazas told The Times in a statement that the department “has reconciled its vaccination numbers on various software platforms” over the past few days and has determined that 1,842 of the approximately 3,400 firefighters base volunteered to be vaccinated. since the shooting began on December 28.
The department reported in mid-January that 60% of firefighters had been vaccinated. The doses were offered to firefighters every week.
This leaves 45% of the force potentially unprotected against the sometimes fatal coronavirus. While several hundred firefighters who recently contracted the virus have been told to wait 90 days before being vaccinated, hundreds more have so far refused to participate.
The hesitant Los Angeles firefighters are adding to the state’s list of healthcare workers refusing to be vaccinated, 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 860 firefighters in the city – about 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.
Despite the department’s low turnout, the number of firefighters testing positive for the coronavirus has dropped dramatically since the city’s fire agency began offering vaccinations to its members, Terrazas said in a note to firefighters last week.
To encourage participation, the ministry resorted to offering 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.
Terrazas and Mayor Eric Garcetti have said they will potentially make vaccination mandatory if firefighters remain reluctant over time, although neither have yet indicated they are ready to take that step.
“The LAFD will continue to offer the vaccine to its sworn members on a weekly basis,” Terrazas said. “Our union partners and I strongly encourage all of our firefighters to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Judy Mark, chair of the advocacy group Disability Voices United, said that if frontline workers, including firefighters, were all vaccinated, “it would definitely keep us a lot safer.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent decision to shift the priority of vaccines to an age-based eligibility structure angered Mark’s group and others, who argue that people with disabilities will have to wait longer to do so. vaccinate.
“If there are firefighters and healthcare workers who don’t want the shots, they should step down for those who do,” Mark said.
Bill Przylucki, executive director of progressive advocacy group Ground Game LA, said homeless people regularly come into contact with firefighters due to medical issues, fires and arson in the settlements.
Przylucki said he appreciates first responders very much and pleaded with them to take the vaccine.
“It’s really frustrating if public employees don’t show this solidarity with the community they serve,” said Przylucki.
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