As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to roll out to different segments of the population, it is concerning to see that some police officers, who have been prioritized for vaccination, are choosing not to receive their shots. Reports from cities like Boston and Chicago indicate a notable hesitancy among local police departments regarding vaccination.
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, The Boston Globe reported that 845 members of the Massachusetts State Police opted out of the vaccine when it was offered at state clinics. This figure represents roughly 30% of the department’s sworn and civilian officers. However, the state police’s Director of Media Communications clarified to ABC News that this figure does not necessarily indicate that these individuals did not receive the vaccine elsewhere, as they may have chosen to get vaccinated at private clinics.
Chicago
In Chicago, an internal survey conducted on January 9, 2021, found that less than 40% of the Chicago Police Department employees were willing to receive the vaccine. By January 22, only 37% had actually been vaccinated, with no subsequent updates available as the vaccine became more accessible in the city.
Alabama
In Alabama, a report from AL.com highlighted that less than half of law enforcement officers had received the vaccine, which became available to them in mid-January. Gulf Shores Police Chief Ed Delmore remarked on the puzzling trend, noting that some officers who were most anxious about catching COVID were also among those refusing the vaccine. Additionally, Josh Bryant, president of the Alabama Firefighters Association, noted that many officers felt they didn’t need the vaccine because they had already contracted COVID-19, despite uncertainties surrounding the duration of natural immunity.
Correctional Officers
The hesitancy is not limited to police officers; correctional officers in various states, including Massachusetts, California, and Iowa, are also declining the vaccine. Surveys reveal that between 30% and over half of surveyed prison guards expressed reluctance to get vaccinated, significantly lower than the levels needed for herd immunity. In a Miami prison, fewer than half of the 240 staff members had completed their vaccination regimen as of March 11, 2021, with many citing concerns about vaccine efficacy and potential side effects.
Public Safety Concerns
Moreover, many police departments are allowing officers to decide whether to wear masks while on duty, raising further concerns about public safety. Given their role in protecting communities, the combination of low vaccination rates and optional mask-wearing among officers is particularly alarming.
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Summary
Several police departments across the United States are experiencing significant vaccine hesitancy among their ranks. Reports from states like Massachusetts and Illinois indicate that a considerable percentage of officers are either declining the COVID vaccine or have not been vaccinated despite being prioritized. This trend raises concerns about public health and safety, especially as many departments leave mask-wearing decisions to individual officers.
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