Many L.A. cops and firefighters aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19. Is this a public safety threat?

When COVID-19 vaccines became available in California, police officers, firefighters and other first responders got priority access, and potentially more. “We have to remember: We get vaccinated for others, too.” The reasons for safety workers’ reluctance mirror those of the broader unvaccinated population, experts and police leaders say. Gavin Newsom said the state was “not anticipating any mandates” that first responders be vaccinated “at this moment” but is “continuing to encourage” police, fire and corrections workers to get vaccinated through “trusted messengers” and “creative incentive programs.” One state program, Vax to Win — which is open to the general public, not just to first responders — touts a $1.5-million grand prize, “$50,000 Fridays” and “dream vacations” for lucky, vaccinated winners. Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz, who chairs a committee focused on personnel issues, said he is concerned by the flat vaccination numbers, noting that the city needs to “get our firefighters and police to take this more seriously.” If outreach efforts don’t work in coming weeks, Koretz may be open to implementing a vaccination mandate, he said. Instead, the union board said, it will encourage members to be vaccinated and to “consult with their personal physician about any individual concerns or questions they may have about the vaccines.” Freddy Escobar, president of the United Fire Fighters of Los Angeles City, said the union does not support a mandate but has been working with the department to increase the number of vaccinated firefighters and “will not stop pushing for additional LAFD vaccinations until we get as close to 100% as possible.” Caplan, the NYU ethicist, said mandates may become necessary, but departments are right to first continue working to gain voluntary compliance.