Availability comes a few days after the department begins vaccinating EMT and paramedics using the Modern vaccine.
Earlier this month, a survey showed that more than half of firefighters were reluctant to take it, so the department issued a note in an effort to instill confidence in the shooting.
The FDNY employs about 11,000 firefighters, one of the largest fire departments in the world.
“I have every confidence that this vaccine will keep New York City firefighters safe and sound in the performance of their duties,” FDNY firefighters said in a statement. “The arrival and distribution of the vaccine is the turning point in the war against COVID-19, and this is critical to the reopening of society. We applaud New York State health officials who have given priority to the firefighters, as our safety is vital to this city. “
But as long as firefighters have access to it, police officers will have to wait. It’s unclear why, but Endowment Detectives Association president Paul DiGiacomo told the Daily News it’s because the department has yet to receive enough doses from the state.
However, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said New York leads the nation in access to vaccines.
“140,000 New Yorkers have already received a vaccine,” Cuomo said. “That would put New York at the forefront of the national chart on the number of vaccines that have actually been 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,” de Blasio said. “I think the more we can develop these priorities, the better. The first priority is the front-line health workers and the people in the residences, the people who work in the residences. I want us to reach our first assistants as soon as possible. We are waiting for these state guidelines to be clarified and we will start this effort as soon as possible. “
PBA President Patrick J. Lynch issued a statement on the delay in vaccine deployment for the NYPD.
“Once again, Albany and City Council politicians are wasting time with bureaucratic gymnastics instead of looking at the reality of the terrain,” Lynch said. “New York City police officers aren’t just on the front line. We cover every part of the front line – from hospitals and apartment complexes to the corner store. We have more daily contact with the New Yorkers than any other agency in the city. We are continuing to push for vaccines to be made available to law enforcement officers as soon as possible. “
READ ALSO | New York promises to prosecute a medical provider accused of illegally distributing the vaccine
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