Abilene Firefighters Receive Covid Vaccine

ABILENE, TX -- The Abilene Fire Department has confirmed nearly 40 percent of firefighters will receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to Fire Chief Cande Flores, last week approximately 60 individuals received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. This group was able to receive the vaccine through  Hendrick Medical Center, which received 2,925 doses.

"On days where they didn't have enough people sign up, they kind of open it up to a little bit greater population, which included first responders," said Flores. "So we were able to get in on that and get some of our personnel vaccinated."

At least 20 more employees will receive the Moderna vaccine through the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District.

Back in April, the Abilene Fire Department faced a coronavirus outbreak after more than 40 firefighters tested positive for coronavirus.

Chief Flores was part of that group and he confirmed he has recieved his first dose of the vaccine.

"I really just kind of felt like it was important to be part of the group and to let guys know that I feel confident taking it, knowing that I've done my research knowing that I knew what was out there," said Flores.