As the province ramps up the vaccine rollout and extends the perimeters of those eligible in Phase 2C, firefighters across the province have once again been overlooked.

Back in January, paramedics and emergency medical technicians were prioritized to receive their immunizations as part of Phase 1A.

Fire Inspector, Jeff Avery with Cochrane Fire Services strongly believes that vaccinating frontline workers is a vital step in the province's fight against COVID-19. He says that given the nature of their daily duties and interactions, having that immunity would be beneficial to the community.

"We're going into residents' homes three and four times a day on medical calls and various other calls," says Avery. "It’s pretty important to us. Hospital workers, emergency workers - absolutely 100 per cent should be vaccinated but we also feel that we should be included in that group and we haven't been."

Tight restrictions have been in place for over a year now, to protect the health system and slow the spread of the virus. Avery says that firefighters can't stay socially distant in an emergency situation, nor can they restrict themselves from entering a household when someone needs help.

"We've never asked for special treatment, nor will we ever ask for special treatment," says Avery. "I think it's a piece of mind for the residents of Cochrane as well, when we respond to a call and go into their homes I think they would like for us to be vaccinated."

The Alberta Fire Chiefs Association has been advocating for several months to have firefighters added to the list of vaccine eligibility. According to Avery firefighters haven't been given any indication as to why the province hasn't included them.

"It's starting to get frustrating because we've asked and asked and asked 'why aren't be being included in this?' and we're still not being told why."

Phase 2C of the vaccine program rolls out today and it includes:

  • Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists and all other healthcare professionals and support staff who provide in-person,  patient care.
  • Individuals working in-patient care facilities or providing services directly to clients in the community for Alberta Health Services, Covenant Health, Alberta Precision Labs, DynaLife, and students involved in placement practicums in clinical areas.
  • Health-care workers on First Nation reserves and Metis Settlements.