40% of LAFD avoids vaccine

The push to protect Los Angeles Fire Department personnel from COVID-19 has ground to a near halt as many firefighters decline to take the vaccine.

Late last year, firefighters were the first city workers given access to the shots. After an initial burst of activity, the number showing up to get the vaccine has plummeted.

This past week, only 143 firefighters visited one of the department’s vaccination centers, according to data released by the city Friday.

So far, 1,944 of the agency’s just under 3,400 members have been inoculated, leaving 4 in 10 vulnerable to the coronavirus.

The reluctance of L.A. firefighters adds to the list of healthcare workers in the state who are declining 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, with many working as paramedics and emergency medical technicians. Nearly a quarter of the force has tested positive. Two have died.

As part of their work responding to 911 calls and delivering patients to emergency rooms, many firefighters are in contact with sick patients. Regardless of whether they get a shot, they are required to wear protective equipment on the job.

On Friday, Mayor Eric Garcetti said he would “potentially” make the vaccination mandatory if firefighters remain reluctant.

“It’s something that we’re talking about, especially those who will be interacting with the public,” he said, adding that other city workers could also face mandatory vaccinations.

Representatives for United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Local 112 didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment about Garcetti’s remarks.

To encourage participation, Fire Chief Ralph M. Terrazas has resorted to offering prizes. Vaccinated firefighters get entered into a raffle where the gifts include Canary home security cameras, Google Nest entertainment systems, Aventon bicycles and gift cards.

The gifts are funded by the LAFD Foundation, a nonprofit that raises money to support the department, according to a memo distributed by Terrazas that was obtained by The Times.

“We are educating our members with the facts about the vaccine and we expect that over time the number of vaccinated members will continue to increase,” said David Ortiz, a spokesman for the city fire agency. “At this time we are not planning to mandate it.”