Spokane County Times

First responders have started receiving the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the Spokane Regional Health District at a drive-thru clinic set up at the Spokane Fire Training Center. 

Only high-risk first responders were eligible to receive vaccinations, according to guidance from the Washington State Department of Health, KREM 2 reported in January. 

Tom Chavez, with the Spokane County Fire District 8, said he was relieved to receive the vaccine. 

“I felt a little bit of relief, knowing that I’m going to be protected pretty close to the near future,” he said, KREM 2 reported. “And then I’m going to protect my family. Eventually, they’ll get it, [and] we’ll all be protected. And I think that sense of relief is something I have not felt in the past nine months.” 

Interim health officer for Spokane County Dr. Francisco Velazquez said it’s essential to get first responders vaccinated. 

“It’s important to the health of our entire community that our first responders are able to help those in need without risking their own health and well-being,” he told KREM 2. “Transitioning vaccinations from high-risk health care providers to first responders is a huge step in our COVID-19 vaccination process.”