Despite clear recommendations from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) for all fire and EMS personnel to be placed in the highest priority tier for access to COVID-19 vaccines, several states have de-prioritized first responders for receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Given the great difficulties in accessing personal protective equipment, it is more important now than ever to ensure all fire and EMS personnel can receive a vaccine as soon as possible.
Deeply concerned by these developments, the IAFC Board of Directors passed a position statement calling on states to grant priority consideration for COVID-19 vaccines to fire and EMS personnel. The IAFC Board requests that all IAFC members contact their governors and local public health officials to urge them to place all fire and EMS personnel on the highest possible tier for receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
The IAFC has developed a draft letter that can be shared with these officials. A complete listing of the contact information for each state’s governor’s office and local public health departments also can be found online.
Please take a few minutes out of your day to contact your governor and local public health official to ensure your voice is heard on this critical topic.
Evan Davis is a strategic government relations manager for the IAFC