More than half of NYC firefighters will refuse COVID-19 vaccine

First responders on the front lines in New York City will have access to a COVID-19 vaccine in just a few weeks, but a recent survey revealed that more than half of New York City Fire Department (FDNY) firefighters will refuse a COVID-19 vaccine.

The survey polled over 2,000 members and around 55 percent of them said they would not get vaccinated. Many of them said they needed more information before taking the vaccine.

Andrew Ansbro, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, was quoted by news portal Eyewitness News as saying that about 200 members are sick right now, or about two percent of the force. Ansbro is encouraging his members to get the vaccine, though it is not mandatory.

“It’s their choice. We are looking to have this off-duty and not in the firehouse. We don’t want to contaminate our members in the firehouses,” said Ansbro.

Two vaccines are close to being released — one by Pfizer and the other by Moderna. Experts say both appear to be 95 percent effective.