Encinitas firefighters administer vaccines through Operation Collaboration

The Encinitas Fire Department personnel have played a key role in helping to vaccinate more than 29,000 county residents against COVID-19 over the past three months as part of “Operation Collaboration.” Through Operation Collaboration, firefighters from across the county are working to target some of the most vulnerable hard-to-reach communities and delivered the vaccinations to the farmworkers at Leichtag Foundation Friday, March 12.

“Today, we have 125 vaccinations scheduled for the agricultural workers. It’s great to see our firefighters and paramedics contributing to the county’s vaccination efforts,” said Fire Chief Michael Stein.

An Encinitas firefighter preparing to give a vaccine.

(Courtesy)

Each of the Encinitas first responders supporting Operation Collaboration had to complete training to support the county efforts to vaccinate the public. This partnership initially was set up to vaccinate first responders and was also used to vaccinate residents at long-term care facilities, including Atria Encinitas.

“Our emergency personnel have been actively serving the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and I am proud of our efforts to join Operation Collaboration as we ensure vaccinations are provided equitably throughout our region,” said Mayor Catherine Blakespear.

Operation Collaboration is a cooperative vaccination effort, under the guidance of SD County Health & Human Services Agency and supported by two dozen fire and EMS agencies in San Diego County. COVID-19 vaccine supplies are increasing, but appointments still go very quickly. To find out if you’re eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and schedule a vaccination, check the county’s website at www.sandiegocounty.gov/coronavirus. — City of Encinitas news release