Swampscott Fire Union Bristles At Vaccination Questions

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — For the second time in two weeks, a union representing Swampscott first responders has issued a public statement against the Board of Selectmen.

The latest letter came from Swampscott Fire Fighters Local 1459 President Jason Snow after the Board of Selectmen took time during Tuesday's meeting to discuss how many first responders in town were willing to be vaccinated against the coronavirus when the Moderna vaccine was made available to them two weeks ago.

"These comments bring scrutiny and condemnation to the members of our emergency services providers," the letter said. "The opinions of our Select Board, town administrator and department administration are being allowed to create tension amongst the community members of the town of Swampscott and the way they view the first responders."

At issue, Snow said, were questions about how many — and which — first responders have chosen not to be vaccinated, and whether that could hamper their ability to do their jobs.

Snow said any public revelation of whether a first responder did or did not get the vaccine would be a violation of personal health privacy laws, and that each first responder has a "right to choose" when and if they take the vaccine.

"Only time will tell whether the Moderna vaccination can have lasting effects in defense of COVID-10 transmission," the letter states. "No member of the public, whether resident or visitor of the town of Swampscott, should feel disheartened by a first responder's decision not to take the Moderna vaccination, every individual has the right to choose.

"The professionals who answer the call 24 hours a day, seven days a week are making the best possible efforts to keep you and your families safe by practicing the universal precautions in a diligent manner."

Two weeks ago,Swampscott Police Local 417 issued a public statement criticizing town management for its comments surrounding the Dec. 12 arrest of a protester in the town common.

That letter also stated that comments about the merits of the arrest made at a Board of Selectmen meeting were leading to mistrust in the community toward the police.

In his letter, Snow cited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data that the Moderna vaccine is 51 percent effective after the first dose, and 94 percent effective after the second dose, but added that no timeline for a second dose has been provided to first responders — which should be scheduled for 28 days after the initial dose.

"Who is to be held responsible if the timelines and vaccination intervals (for the second dose) do not coincide with CDC guidelines?" he asked.

"The men and women of the first responder community will continue to provide professional emergency services to the town of Swampscott and surrounding area using all practicable guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Public Health," the letter to the community concluded. "We will answer the call in a safe, controlled manner.

"Do not allow the town administration to scare us with their insensitive and irresponsible remarks."

Did you find this article useful? Invite a friend to subscribe to Patch.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)