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Could a Strategy to Vaccinate More Firefighters Work for Academic Medical Centers? — NPR

May 27, 2021

How the Los Angeles County Fire Department boosted its vaccination rate

A closeup of a firefighter wearing a mask

When COVID-19 vaccines first became available, only 55% of employees of the Los Angeles County Fire Department said they’d get the shots. So, in addition to a comprehensive education campaign, the department instituted an “opt-out” policy.

If firefighters didn’t want to be vaccinated, they’d have to go to a vaccination site and decline in person. The peer influence of being surrounded by people rolling up their sleeves and the opportunity to have their questions addressed led many to change their minds, and as of mid-May, about 70% of LA firefighters have gotten a vaccine.

Read or listen on NPR.org