COVID-19 Vaccinations Begin For First Responders In Massachusetts
BOSTON (CBS) – About 45,000 first responders in Massachusetts became eligible Monday to get COVID-19 vaccinations at more than 60 approved locations across the state.
All first responders have to sign up for an appointment and bring one form of identification - a badge, an employer ID, a paystub and license, or a letter from their chief. They must also make an appointment at the same location for their second dose of the vaccine.
"We worry about bringing it home to our families. But also, working with the community, we don't want to be super-spreaders," said Worcester Police Chief Steven Sargent. He and Fire Chief Michael Lavoie were both vaccinated Monday morning, each getting their first dose of the Moderna shot.
"We do have an uptick in (the) virus in the department now. This is time, it's the beginning of the end," Sargent said.
Needham Police Chief John Schlitter was also among the first to be vaccinated on Monday. "I think I was excited, not honestly for myself, but for our men and women police officers here in town that are on the front lines every day, to ensure that they can do their job safely," he said.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said the state is finalizing plans to use Fenway Park as a mass distribution site for first responders. According to the head of the state firefighters association, Gillette Stadium and the Big E fairgrounds will also be used. Those sites are expected to open next Monday, January 18.
