For the past week frontline-firefight- ers have voluntarily been receiving the Covid-19 vaccine. HFD recently received 3,000 additional vaccines. This week, the HFD will be expanding the distribution opportunity to internal staff. The expansion will include only those that qualify under Phase 1 approved by the CDC/DSHS.

“Providing a COVID-19 vac- cine to HFD firefighters is a momentous first step in protecting our first responders, their families’ and the community they encounter”, says Fire Chief Sam Peña.

The Houston Fire Department has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 virus. To date, the HFD has had over 11,000 reported exposures, 465 positive cases, 192 firefighters are currently in quarantine, and tragically have lost three members due to Covid-19.

Methodist Hospital of Hous- ton allocated 1,500 doses of the initial vaccination for first responders. Vacci- nations began on December 20th and an HFD internal survey reflected more than 60 percent of HFD personnel were interested in receiving the vaccine.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states vaccines have undergone a rigorous review of laboratory, clinical, and manufacturing data to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these products. There are no traces of COVID in the vaccines and no serious or long-term side effects have been reported.

HFD encourages all firefighters and the community to get vaccinated as they become available.