Firefighters trained to give vaccinations in Victoria

People attending mass vaccination clinics may get their COVID-19 vaccination from a City of Victoria firefighter.

After a request from Island Health to fill staffing shortfalls, 14 Victoria firefighters successfully completed the required training and are now qualified to administer the vaccine and provide necessary support.

“As first responders, firefighters are highly trained and ready to do all they can to protect the public,” said Acting Fire Chief, Daniel Atkinson. “Helping to get more people vaccinated sooner is a meaningful way we can protect public safety and support the important work Island Health is doing to keep us all healthy.”

Council approved the City entering into an agreement with Island Health for the added staffing to increase the availability of COVID-19 vaccine to the public.

Qualified and trained firefighters are eligible to sign up for any shift that does not conflict with their regularly scheduled work at the fire department.

Using off-duty firefighters to maximize the number of vaccinations provided to the public has also been done in the Fraser Health Region and Vancouver Coastal Health Region.

All costs associated with providing the service will be reimbursed to the City by Island Health.

“Victoria firefighters always step up in times of need,” said Mayor Lisa Helps. “It’s not at all surprising that their commitment to public safety extends to helping the community continue to hit the high vaccination rates needed to make it to the other side of the pandemic.”