The Fire Department has begun vaccinating its first responders against COVID-19, holding walk-in clinics for members at Fire Headquarters.

Vaccinations began on Dec. 28, and about 100 members of the front-line workforce have received the first of two doses as of Jan. 6. Additional clinics are planned.

“Philadelphia is currently receiving very limited quantities of COVID-19 vaccine; the Fire Department is necessarily prioritizing our folks who are on the front lines of this ongoing pandemic, providing emergency medical care to our residents in every neighborhood across the City, 24x7x365,” said Fire Commissioner Adam K. Thiel. “I am excited about getting vaccinated in a later round, when there is more vaccine available; so it is not my turn yet.”

Some responders have declined the vaccine, which is not required at this time, but said they would reconsider later.

Paramedic Steven Carr, who got his first shot on Jan. 6, said he was initially on the fence but ultimately chose to get vaccinated to protect himself and his family. He has worried about contracting the coronavirus and spreading it his parents and fiancee.

“Hopefully, it will eventually allow us all to return to a more normal way of life,” Carr said.