Several states are witnessing resistance to COVID vaccination among their law enforcement personnel. As the vaccine becomes accessible to more groups each day, it’s concerning to see that some police officers, who have been prioritized for vaccination, are opting not to get vaccinated. Reports of vaccine hesitancy and low immunization rates are coming in from cities like Boston and Chicago.
Massachusetts: A Significant Decline
In Massachusetts, for instance, The Boston Globe reported that 845 members of the Massachusetts State Police declined the vaccine when it was made available at state clinics, representing roughly 30% of the department’s sworn and civilian officers. However, the state’s Media Communications Director clarified that this does not necessarily mean those officers did not receive the vaccine elsewhere.
Chicago’s Internal Survey
In Chicago, an internal survey conducted by the Chicago Police Department revealed that fewer than 40% of employees expressed a desire to receive the vaccine. Subsequently, it was reported that only 37% of officers actually got vaccinated. There have been no further updates on vaccination rates since the initial rollout. Meanwhile, in Alabama, police agencies noted that less than half of their officers had gotten vaccinated, even after vaccines were made available in mid-January. Gulf Shores Police Chief Ed Delmore noted the puzzling situation where some officers who were most concerned about contracting the virus opted out of vaccination.
Correctional Officers’ Hesitancy
Additionally, a report from the AP highlighted that correctional officers in several states are also hesitant to get vaccinated. Surveys from prisons in states like Massachusetts, California, Rhode Island, and Iowa indicated that between 30% to just over half of surveyed prison guards expressed a willingness to receive the vaccine, far from the levels needed for herd immunity. For example, in a Miami prison, fewer than half of the 240 employees had been fully vaccinated as of March 11, 2021, with many citing concerns over the vaccine’s efficacy and side effects.
Concerns About Public Safety
The low vaccination rates and the choice to forgo mask-wearing while on duty raise significant concerns about public safety. Officers are expected to protect and serve their communities, making these trends especially alarming.
Additional Resources
For more information on fertility and home insemination, you can check out this blog post on home insemination kits or visit CryoBaby for reliable insemination supplies. Additionally, Drugs.com provides excellent resources for those navigating pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Several police departments across the U.S. are facing vaccine hesitancy among their ranks, with significant numbers of officers opting out of COVID-19 vaccination. Reports from states like Massachusetts, Illinois, and Alabama indicate that a considerable portion of law enforcement is either declining the vaccine or remains unvaccinated, raising concerns about public health and safety.