SMFD firefighter/paramedics Jeff Tsay (left) and Sam Benites prepare to provide a COVID vaccination to a homebound San Marino resident.
On March 23, the department received its first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine for distribution to homebound residents of San Marino who are eligible for the program. Firefighter/paramedics began administering first-dose shots to patients that same day and will return to provide the second dose in three weeks. The number of doses allocated each week is dependent on the eligible participants identified by DPH and City of San Marino Emergency Operation Center staff. Currently, the fire department estimates between 35-40 residents per week may be vaccinated through the program. Rueda said that by Monday — just six days into the program — the SMFD had already administered 36 first shots.
Fire Chief Mario Rueda vaccinates a San Marino resident at her home.
“These really are the most vulnerable people in the community and it is an honor for our department to serve them,” said Rueda. “We still have to go back and give the second shot but we are making progress.”
The city’s Emergency Operations Center staff is currently in the process of reaching out to eligible residents to offer an in-home vaccination, Rueda said. Residents who meet eligibility criteria and have not previously received a vaccination through another agency may schedule an appointment for the SMFD to administer the vaccine at the resident’s residence.
“Our firefighters were humbled by the outpouring of thanks we’ve received from the community,” Rueda reported. “One resident said, ‘We’ve been paying taxes on this house since 1938 and I’ve never been more proud to see where our tax dollars are going.’”
Rueda agreed with that sentiment.
“I have never been more proud of our firefighters, being able to help the most vulnerable residents in our community,” he said. “It has truly been an honor to be part of this fire department.”
Rueda wants to remind the public that the SMFD is not currently providing vaccinations at the fire station, and is not currently able to provide vaccinations for non-homebound residents.
“This program is specifically for those unable to get out of their homes,” the fire chief said.
Anyone who may be eligible for the homebound vaccination program — or knows someone who might be interested in participating — may contact the Resident Support Hotline at (626) 300-0731.
