As COVID-19 vaccines are rolled out to various sectors, reports indicate a concerning trend among law enforcement agencies across America: many police officers are choosing not to receive the vaccine. This hesitancy is evident from cities like Boston to Chicago, where the rates of vaccination among police personnel remain low despite being prioritized for early vaccination.
In Massachusetts, for instance, The Boston Globe reported that 845 members of the Massachusetts State Police opted out of receiving the vaccine at state-run clinics. This number represents roughly 30% of the department’s sworn and civilian personnel. However, a spokesperson from the Massachusetts State Police clarified that this figure does not necessarily indicate that those officers have not been vaccinated elsewhere, such as at private clinics. The actual vaccination status of these individuals remains unclear.
In Chicago, a recent internal survey revealed that less than 40% of Chicago Police Department staff expressed a desire to be vaccinated, with only 37% ultimately receiving the shot. There have been no further updates on vaccination rates since the survey was conducted in January.
Similarly, police departments in Alabama reported that fewer than half of their officers had received the vaccine as of mid-January. Gulf Shores Police Chief Ed Delmore noted efforts to encourage vaccinations, highlighting a paradox where some officers who were most concerned about contracting the virus were also the ones declining the vaccine.
In addition to police officers, correctional staff are also showing reluctance to get vaccinated. Surveys conducted among prison guards in various states, including Massachusetts and California, indicated that between 30% and over 50% of those surveyed were willing to get vaccinated, which falls short of the numbers needed for herd immunity. In a Miami prison, for example, fewer than half of the 240 employees had completed their vaccinations as of March 11, 2021, with many citing concerns over vaccine efficacy and potential side effects.
Adding to the concern is the fact that many police departments are allowing officers to decide whether to wear masks while on duty. This raises alarm about the commitment to public safety, especially as these officers are tasked with protecting their communities during a pandemic.
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Summary
A notable number of police officers across several states, including Massachusetts and Illinois, are refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, raising concerns about public health and safety in law enforcement. Reports indicate that this hesitancy is prevalent among both police and correctional officers, with many expressing doubts about the vaccine’s efficacy and side effects.