NORWELL, Mass. — First Responders statewide are scheduled to get their first doses of the vaccine on Jan. 11. But some departments working with their long term care facilities, hospitals and health care centers have already began the process.
For example, because Norwell Fire and Police respond to Royal Norwell Nursing and Rehab Facility so often for transports and medical calls, Royal Norwell’s Executive Director says they were able to a allocate enough vaccine to inoculate their residents, staff and the town’s first responders. Norwell Fire Chief Jeff Simpson jumped on the opportunity to help protect his team.
“We made a quick decision. It was made in less than 24 hours. We made that decision in 24 hours,” said Chief Jeff Simpson.
The state is opening more than 60 locations Monday for first responders to make appointments for their doses. Chief Simpson worked to find a way to get the vaccine to his firefighters sooner.
“My whole career I’ve been at the back of the line waiting. Saw this opportunity and with the union we made a decision we are doing it,” Simpson said.
Norwell Fire Department Local 2700 President Sean Ford told us all of the members volunteered to get the vaccine. “It is just going to give us a some level of protection and our family members,” Ford said.
Royal Norwell says having their first responders protected also protected their residents and staff.
“The last year has been traumatic for a lot of people and this is an exciting way to move forward,” said Mamary.
The state says the 60 plus locations like Norwell Town Hall will start taking reservations this week. First responders will have to provide several documents when they make the reservation and when they arrive in person.
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