Availability comes a few days after the department starts vaccinating paramedics and paramedics with the Modern vaccine.
Earlier this month, a survey showed that more than half of the firefighters were reluctant to accept, so the department issued a memo in an effort to inspire confidence in the shooting.
The FDNY employs about 11,000 firefighters, one of the largest firefighters in the world.
“I have full confidence that this vaccine will keep New York firefighters healthy and safe in carrying out their duties,” said FDNY firefighters in a statement. “The arrival and distribution of the vaccine is the turning point in the war against COVID-19 and this is fundamental for the reopening of society. We applaud the health authorities of the state of New York who prioritized firefighters, as our safety is of vital importance. for this city. “
But while the firefighters will have access, the police will have to wait. It is unclear exactly why, but Detectives Endowment Association president Paul DiGiacomo told the Daily News that the department has not yet received enough doses from the state.
However, Governor Andrew Cuomo said New York is leading the country in access to vaccines.
“140,000 New Yorkers have already received a vaccine,” said Cuomo. “That would put New York at the top of the national table in the number of vaccines that were actually given to people.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city wants to “continue to develop the vaccination effort quickly”.
“This is something we do based on state guidelines, we are in constant communication with the state about it,” said de Blasio. “I think the more we can build on those priorities, the better. The first priority is frontline health care professionals and people working in nursing homes. I want us to get to the first respondents as soon as possible. We are waiting for this state guidance to be clarified and, as soon as it is, we will put this effort in motion. “
PBA President Patrick J. Lynch released a statement about the delay in launching the vaccine for the NYPD.
“Again, politicians in Albany and City Hall are wasting time on bureaucratic gymnastics instead of looking at the local reality,” said Lynch. “New York City law enforcement officers are not just on the front lines. We cover all parts of the front lines: from hospitals and residential complexes to the corner store. We have more daily contact with New Yorkers than any other agency in the city. continuing to push for vaccines to be made available to police as soon as possible. “
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