The City of Dallas has started COVID-19 vaccinations of first responders from Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR), the Dallas Police Department (DPD) and the Dallas City Marshals. These efforts were made possible through the Texas Department of State Health Services’ allocation of 2,000 Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
The process consists of a check-in, vaccination stations, made up of strike teams (two paramedics and one documentation officer) specially trained to administer the vaccine, and an evaluation area where members can be monitored for potential side-effects before leaving.
The City expects 250 first responders to be vaccinated per day and expects this first Moderna allocation to be followed in the coming months by additional vaccines to inoculate remaining City of Dallas first responders.
In the weeks leading up to the vaccine allocation, DFR, DPD and the Office of Emergency Management put together a plan for a drive-thru style vaccination process using a parking garage at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
In addition to those that will be vaccinated with this allotment, there have been over 100 DFR members to receive their first round of the vaccine through Parkland Hospital and Dallas County Health and Human Services.
Tracking is being done electronically; first responders will be automatically scheduled for their second round of the vaccine in 28 days.