First responders receive COVID-19 vaccinations

SAN DIEGO – Fire agencies across San Diego County have played an active role throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and have now begun the COVID-19 vaccination process for first responders in the county. This effort has been carried out alongside the county Health and Human Services Agency, working to vaccinate emergency medical technicians and paramedic responders in what is known as Operation Collaboration.

First responders are on the front lines of the COVID-19 response, and Operation Collaboration brings together multiple agencies to meet the need of vaccinating those that are most exposed to the virus.

“This vaccination process will help keep responders safe, and will ensure that these personnel are available to continue serving communities throughout San Diego County,” Dan Barron, San Marcos fire chief and unified incident commander, said.

First responder vaccine administration began Dec. 30, with vaccination operations running daily. Vaccination sites, also known as points of distribution, have been set up to meet the need for fire agencies throughout the county. Points of distributions are rotating between San Marcos, Carlsbad and Rancho San Diego – with additional sites being evaluated.

The partnership between local fire and health agencies has built the framework for the vaccination process going forward and will ultimately provide all first responders in the county the opportunity to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

Submitted by Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire.