The push to protect Los Angeles Fire Department personnel from COVID-19 has come to a halt as many firefighters do not want to take the vaccine.
Late last year, firefighters were the first city workers to gain access to the shots. After an initial burst of activity, the number that appeared to receive the vaccine decreased.
In the past week, only 143 firefighters visited one of the department’s vaccination centers, according to data released by the city on Friday night. So far, 1,944 of the agency’s just under 3,400 members have been vaccinated, leaving 4 out of 10 vulnerable to the highly contagious coronavirus.
The reluctance of LA firefighters contributes to the list of health workers in the state who do not want to take the vaccine, which according to health experts could have serious health consequences for the public.
Firefighters are at the forefront of the pandemic, and many work as paramedics and medical technicians. More than 830 firefighters in the city – nearly a quarter of the force – have tested positive so far. Two are dead, recently captured. George Roque, 57, a 22-year veteran.
As part of their work responding to 911 calls and delivering patients to emergency rooms, many firefighters are in regular contact with sick patients. Regardless of whether they get a chance, they should wear protective gear while at work.
Mayor Eric Garcetti said Friday that he would make the vaccination “potentially” mandatory if firefighters remain reluctant in a few months.
“This is something we are talking about, especially those who will communicate with the public,” Garcetti said, adding that other city workers could also experience mandatory vaccinations.
Representatives of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Local 112 did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Garcetti’s comments.
In an effort to encourage participation, Fire Chief Ralph M. Terrazas decided to offer prizes to those who get the chance. Vaccinated firefighters come in a raffle where the gifts include Canary 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 non-profit organization that raises money to support the department, according to a memorandum distributed by The Times by Terrazas.
“We are educating our members about the facts about the vaccine and we expect the number of vaccinated members to continue to increase over time,” said David Ortiz, a spokesman for the city fire department. “At the moment, we do not intend to make it compulsory.”