Thread by @stuartpalley

1/n: Alright I'll bite on the first responder vaccination mandate discussion: Ideally company level education, good medical advice, and promotion of facts vs. FUD should guide firefighters to get vaccinated. Now that Pfizer is FDA-approved, there's really no excuse.

2/n: You're never going to get 100% compliance. For example LACOFD Local 1014 is at 70%, recommending vaccination but opposing mandates. I think in fire, mandates will backfire. But you can't have first responders putting the general public at higher risk w/Delta.

3/n: Unfortunately mis-information is pretty rampant in the fire world (anecotal experience, n=12) so there's higher hesistancy. Weekly testing of those not vaccinated, and a higher insurance premium to compensate for higher risk for medical bills+legal exposure.

4/n: Nobody should be fired for refusing a vaccine. Ultimately it's their choice, as much as I hate saying that. However, they are a first responder and swore to protect and serve the public. Putting public at higher risk of a deadly pandemic isn't serving them.

5/n: Those firmly in the anti-vaccine camp in fire should reconsider their choice in public service, frankly (my view). For those hesitant, listening, patience, and education and discussion will help. Keep using honey and not vinegar.

6/n: If it takes hand-holding to get higher vaccination rates, fine. I'd rather be pragmatic and save lives and hospital visits amongst FF's+public than put ego on a pedestal.

7/n: But we've got to draw the line somewhere, holding people accountable for "personal choice" that actually does affect others. What are your thoughts in the fire world?

8/n: On a legal note, case law strongly favors employer mandates in public safety/health fields. I get why Unions are working to give members say, some department brass hasn't handled it well and it makes rank and file feel railroaded. Again, communication/consent, not clampdowns

9/n: Some opposing views, "we survived the first waves without PPE and support" don't add up. You made it this far, why would you take further risk by exposing yourself to a more contagious variant? Again, good medical advice to rank and file, not FUD.

10/n: Another example - federal wildland firefighter gets second mRNA covid shot, needs to take a day off for recovery. Supervisor makes them take sick leave, not Covid sick leave. This is BAD! Does NOT encourage anyone else to get a shot.

11/n: This comes out of their sick days vs. a comped day from the department, leaving those hesitant to put off getting a shot. The department needs to make it as easy as possible, NOT docking sick days for a vaccine recovery day off, if needed.

12/n: As a taxpayer I'd rather underwrite a firefighter sitting at home on the couch as a rest day for a covid shot, than have them get sick on the job, get hospitalized, or get others sick in line of duty. Common sense cost benefit analysis.

13/n: Firefighters already face higher rates of job-related cancer, suicide, injury, etc. They deserve the best data, medical advice/care possible to prolong a healthy life. And part of that is to counter all the BS floating around online about vaccines to save lives. Goodnight.