For Immediate Release

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Gloucester Health Department Hosts Vaccination Clinic for Firefighters

GLOUCESTER — Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, Health Director Karin Carroll and Fire Chief Eric Smith are pleased to announce that the health department hosted a free vaccination clinic for firefighters this week.

From June 19-21, health officials set up inside the Gloucester Fire Department to administer Hepatitis B and Tdap vaccinations to firefighters.

“These vaccinations are extremely important for firefighters to obtain in the event that they are exposed to an infectious disease,” said Sander Schultz, who is the fire department’s infection control officer. “We work regularly with the health department to provide this valuable service to firefighters.”

Throughout the three days, 43 firefighter received vaccinations — 22 got the first of three shots of Hepatitis B, with 38 obtaining the Tdap booster. An estimated five additional firefighters are expected to be vaccinated on Thursday. Firefighters will get their second Hepatitis B vaccination in August, with the third in the winter.

“In their line of work firefighters are exposed to both airborne and blood-borne diseases, so much like the flu vaccine, Hepatitis B and Tdap shots provide that additional layer of protection,” Carroll said. “We were happy to see so many firefighters take advantage of this free clinic.”

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