By Laura French
CHANTILLY, Va. — The International Association of Fire Chiefs has compiled a chart that lists the COVID-19 vaccine priority levels for firefighters and EMS providers in every U.S. state.
The chart outlines which vaccine phase or tier firefighters and EMS providers fall under in each of the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, and includes a link to each state’s published vaccine plan where available.
The list also includes details such as whether first responders’ families also receive priority access, whether another group (such as hospital workers) within the same tier will receive the vaccine before first responders, and whether a state is expected to follow the recommendation of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which placed EMS providers in Phase 1A and firefighters in Phase 1B.
“It is important to note that the priority level for firefighters and EMS personnel is extremely fluid and likely will change as states continue to develop their plans,” the IAFC said in a statement. “IAFC members are encouraged to contact the IAFC if they learn [of any] changes to the priority classification for firefighters in their respective state.”
The association also urged fire chiefs to contact their governor’s office and local public health department to push for all firefighters and EMS personnel to be included in the top priority group for the COVID-19 vaccine. The IAFC provided a draft advocacy letter to use when contacting local and state officials.
See the IAFC’s state-by-state vaccine priority chart below: