Norwood Administers 2nd Coronavirus Vaccine To First Responders

NORWOOD, MA — Norwood is concluding second dose COVID-19 vaccinations for first responders this week and is continuing to schedule local clinics for Norwood seniors age 75 and older.

"Because of the nature of first responders' work, I think it’s really imperative that we get ourselves vaccinated and protected so that we can protect ourselves, our families and the community members we come into contact with," Police Chief William Brooks said. "I hope that by being earlier in the vaccination process, we are in some way able to set an example for the public who will look to public safety personnel and feel that it's safe for them to get the vaccine, too."

A series of clinics were held in early January for first responders to receive the first dose of the vaccine and second dose clinics are being completed this week.

First responder vaccinations in Norwood began in January as part of a regional effort between the member communities of the Norfolk County-8 (NC-8) coalition. The NC-8 regional vaccination effort served first responders from Canton, Dedham, Dover, Milton, Needham, Norwood, Walpole, Westwood, Wellesley and Medfield at various clinic locations. When first responders became eligible to receive the vaccine, the towns worked together to ensure their plans would adhere to the strict guidelines for handling the vaccines and that the vaccines would be properly inventoried physically and electronically.

"This is the light at the end of the tunnel for us as we've continued responding to calls related to COVID here in the community," Fire Chief George Morrice said. "Along with wearing proper PPE, this vaccine is going to ensure the members of this department, especially the paramedics and EMTs, have extra protection against the virus. These men and women have been stalwart throughout the whole pandemic and to be able to lead them and the community and show people we believe in the efficacy of this vaccine is a great feeling."

The town is also currently vaccinating residents 75 years old and older who became eligible on Feb. 1 through Phase Two of the state’s vaccine distribution plan. Following the conclusion of appointments on Feb. 9, the town had administered 440 doses of the Moderna vaccine, 60 of which were the second doses for first responders.

"The way we get out of this pandemic is getting a large amount of people vaccinated, so the more people that step up and get vaccinated the sooner we can end this pandemic," said Superintendent of Public Health Sigalle Reiss. "It’s a little bit of Norwood pride as well with Moderna right in our backyard. So, we're excited to be using their vaccine for our first responders and continuing to vaccinate our community with it."

The town is continuing to vaccinate residents 75 years old and older through scheduled clinics. All scheduled clinics in the Norwood are for Norwood residents 75 years old and older only. If you are not a Norwood resident that is 75 or older, your appointment will be canceled.