By NICK YAMASHITA
The Progress
First responders in the Moapa Valley were vaccinated last week to fight the COVID-19 virus. Twenty first responders reported to Logandale Fire Station #73 to receive the vaccines.
Moapa Valley Fire District (MVFD) Chief Steven Neel was on hand at the station on Tuesday, Jan. 12, to administer the vaccines to firefighters, Emergency Medical Services staff, and law enforcement officers who came voluntarily to receive it.
“It was not required for them to get it, just by choice,” Neel said. “Whoever wanted one could get one. As we know, if we force people to get the vaccination, it would be a violation of their rights.”
The vaccination clinic started at 8:00 am and went until 2:00 pm. The first three who arrived on Tuesday were local Metropolitan officers an office personnel.
After the Moderna vaccine shots are received, recipients must wait on site for 15 minutes for observation before being allowed to leave.
“We have to make sure there is no negative response to the vaccination before they leave,” Neel said. “However, the normal after-effects of the vaccination are just soreness and tiredness, but that is it.
Neel acknowledged that more serious side effects are possible. “But they are infrequent and due to other conditions as well,” he said. No serious side effects were encountered by recipients last week.
Each recipient of the immunization was informed they must come back for a second injection on February 9th.
“The second injection must be received 28 days later with a three-day window,” Neel explained. “The 1st injection is about 50 percent effective in stopping COVID. The 2nd injection raises that up to 95 percent.”
Volunteer firefighter Nathan Hendricks was one of the recipients in last week’s vaccinations. “We all need to get this done so we can protect each other,” Hendricks said.
Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper R. Mayer also showed up very willing to get the vaccine.
“Might as well get it,” Mayer said. “If all the elderly and medical personnel are getting it, then why not? Get it and stop with the conspiracy theories,”
Neel was pleased with the turnout at the station on Tuesday. “We are just excited to get this COVID craziness over with,” he said.
