Name: Why are many GA first responders taking a pass on the COVID vaccine?
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Why are many GA first responders taking a pass on the COVID vaccine?

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A look at which emergency workers in what counties are taking the coronavirus vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is now available for all Georgia first responders. That means anyone in fire rescue or law enforcement can sign up. The problem? Even as daily COVID deaths set new records, few first responders are choosing to take the vaccine. "I was hoping that the people I worked with would see how important the vaccine was you know," admitted DeKalb County fire captain Eric Ryals. Yet in his department, less than half — 42% of first responders — have signed up or indicated they want the COVID vaccine. Ryals caught COVID last month. And he made no secret among his co-workers the seriousness of his illness. "They know how severe it was when I had it and I wouldn’t wish that on anybody," he said. In fact, across Georgia, at least 11 first responders have died from COVID-related causes, including a Henry County sheriff’s deputy earlier this month. Yet in a survey by the FOX 5 I-Team, most departments report a majority of their people staying away from the vaccine. Here’s the percentage of first responders who have signed up for the shot or indicated in a survey they want to be vaccinated. Some departments did not respond to our questions. Lawrenceville Police &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 53% Forsyth County Sheriff&nbsp; &nbsp; 50 Cherokee County Fire &nbsp; &nbsp; 44 Cobb County Fire&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 42 DeKalb County Fire &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 42 Fayette County Fire &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 38 Cherokee County Sheriff 33 Coweta County Fire&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 30 Spalding County Sheriff &nbsp; 28 Spalding County Fire &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 27 Forsyth County Fire &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 25 Henry County Sheriff &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 25 DeKalb County Police &nbsp; &nbsp; 15 Paulding County Fire &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 7.5 "I would like for it to be a little higher especially in our line of work where we have so much contact with the public," said Lawrenceville police chief Tim Wallis. His department actually ranked the highest in our survey at 53%. One of his officers who’s not signed up is Gary Sampson. "I just want to be cautious," he explained. Even though Sampson's&nbsp;daughter had to be briefly hospitalized after contracting COVID, he’s still worried about potential side effects from a vaccine that was invented in "warp speed" time. "It’s not a matter of will I ever do it," he explained. "I know I will eventually. I just want to do a little more research." He plans to watch how his boss handles the vaccine. Chief Wallis got his first shot last week. Other law enforcement executives are doing the same. Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett received his Monday. He is also a COVID survivor. "Do your own research like I did," he said afterward. "The things you hear, call someone, especially a medical professional. Ask them. And hopefully it will change your mind or give you some comfort in making the decision." The departments we surveyed told us there are no consequences for anyone who declines the vaccine. Law enforcement and other first responders were not supposed to be vaccinated this early. They’re in Phase 1b. But because so few people in Phase 1a wanted the vaccine, they got moved up. DeKalb Fire captain Ryals works part-time for Pro Care EMS&nbsp;in Lawrenceville. They brought in Managed Health Solutions Pharmacy to distribute the vaccine onsite rather than require staff to try to register through the jammed health center website. Ryals was one of the first to sign up. "I’m on the side of the fence where only good can come of it," he explained. _____ &nbsp;for breaking news and weather alerts. Breaking news delivered fast By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the and .

A look at which emergency workers in what counties are taking the coronavirus vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is now available for all Georgia first responders. That means anyone in fire rescue or law enforcement can sign up. The problem? Even as daily COVID deaths set new records, few first responders are choosing to take the vaccine. "I was hoping that the people I worked with would see how important the vaccine was you know," admitted DeKalb County fire captain Eric Ryals. Yet in his department, less than half — 42% of first responders — have signed up or indicated they want the COVID...

Why are many GA first responders taking a pass on the COVID vaccine?

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