Kamloops Fire Rescue is happy to be part of the next phase of vaccinations, which includes a long list of other frontline workers (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

MORE VACCINES FOR FRONTLINE WORKERS

Kamloops first responders relieved to get COVID-19 vaccine next month, while others feel left out

Mar 19, 2021 | 5:02 PM

KAMLOOPS — More frontline workers in Kamloops will be lining up to receive their COVID-19 vaccine, starting next month.

The provincial health officer announced on Thursday (Mar. 18) an extensive list of workers that will move up the queue as part of Phase 2 of the vaccine rollout. Included are first responders, childcare staff, educators and grocery store workers, among others. Kamloops Fire Rescue (KFR) is breathing a collective sigh of relief to be on the list.

“As all first responders, as we are dealing with members of the community directly, I think there was, from my opinion, maybe an added risk for first responders,” said KFR Chief Steve Robinson. “But we’ve managed with our PPE, and again we’re just thankful the provincial government has recognized the fact that we are out in the community doing jobs.”

KFR personnel have been on the frontlines throughout the pandemic, dealing with everyday emergency calls, as well as overdoses.

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“We’re still doing our jobs. Our people go out every day and they do their jobs,” noted Robinson. “Our levels of personal protective equipment have increased — the same for all first responders. It’s just nice we’ve got some additional protection.”

Kamloops Fire Rescue says until more people are vaccinated, firefighters will still be wearing the proper PPE.

Also on the list for Phase 2 of the vaccine rollout plan are teachers and school support staff. School District 73 employs 2,100 people — all of whom will have the option of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

“That’s really good news and I think it’s going to energize certainly people in our schools when they come back next week from March break, knowing that this is going to come,” said SD73 Superintendent Terry Sullivan. “I think people now will have some confidence that we’re going to return to a state of normalcy with our schools opening in September.”

However, not everyone is happy with the Phase 2 vaccine rollout. There are other frontline workers that have been left out of this phase, including Kamloops transit drivers, who are upset with the decision.

“Yeah, I had a lot of drivers texting and speaking out, saying things like that they were in tears as they drove home from work,” said Western Regional Director for Unifor Gavin McGarrigle, who represents Kamloops transit workers. “It’s one thing to be called essential workers — and named an essential worker by the government for all this time — and then to find out that you’re not on this list.”

“Transit workers are interacting with tens of thousands of people in communities right across the province, big and small,” he added.

There are no details yet as far as when local firefighters, teachers and others will be receiving the vaccine. Dr. Bonnie Henry said on Thursday vaccinations for Phase 2 would begin in April.

Sullivan suspects the province will utilize schools, like what is done with the flu shot, to administer the vaccine. He says he’ll know more by next week.