Only 55% of the city’s firefighters turned up to receive a coronavirus shot, a lower number than originally announced, the Los Angeles Fire Department said Monday.
Fire Chief Ralph M. Terrazas told The Times in a statement that the department had reconciled its vaccination numbers on various software platforms over the past few days and determined that 1,422 of the approximately 3,400 firefighters had been vaccinated voluntarily. since shots began on Dec. 28.
The department reported in mid-January that 60% of firefighters had been vaccinated. The doses are offered to firefighters every week.
This leaves 45% of the power still potentially unprotected against the sometimes deadly coronavirus. While several hundred firefighters who recently contracted the virus were advised to wait 90 days before they get the chance, hundreds of others have so far refused to participate.
LA firefighters who are reluctant add 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 860 firefighters in the city – about 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.
Despite the department’s low turnout, the number of firefighters tested positive for coronavirus has dropped significantly since the city’s fire department began offering vaccinations, Terrazas said in a memorandum to firefighters last week.
In an effort to encourage participation, the department decided to offer prizes to those who get the chance. Vaccinated firefighters come in a raffle where the gifts 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 non-profit organization that raises money to support the department, according to a memorandum distributed by The Times by Terrazas.
Both Terrazas and Mayor Eric Garcetti said they might make the vaccination mandatory if firefighters remain hesitant over time, though neither of them has yet to indicate he is ready to take the step.
“The LAFD will continue to offer the vaccine to its sworn members on a weekly basis,” Terrazas said. “I and our union partners strongly encourage all our firefighters to get the vaccine as soon as possible.”
Judy Mark, president of the advocacy group Disability Voices United, said that if frontline workers, including firefighters, were all vaccinated, “it would definitely keep us much safer.”
Government Gavin Newsom’s recent decision to shift vaccine priority to an age-based fitness structure has angered Mark’s group and others, who say disabled people will have to wait longer to be vaccinated.
“If there are firefighters and health workers who do not want the shots, they should step aside for those who want to do so,” Mark said.
Bill Przylucki, executive director of the progressive advocacy group Ground Game LA, said that undivided people regularly come in contact with firefighters due to medical problems and fires and arson at supplies.
Przylucki said he was very appreciative of the first responders and asked them to take the vaccine.
“It’s really frustrating if public employees will not show solidarity with the community they serve,” Przylucki said.