COVID-19 has dramatically changed the way first responders work.

Eastern, Central and Western Health started administering the AstraZeneca vaccine to first responders this week, while vaccines to first responders will start being administered in the Labrador-Grenfell Health region in the week ahead.

St. John’s Regional Fire Department Platoon Chief Dean Foley was one of the first to receive the shot in the metro region on Friday.

He explains that COVID caused the fire department to alter its responses to allow for the extra PPE and for the required COVID screening questions to be asked.

He says the extra steps have resulted in added time needed to prepare for calls, but they’re hopeful the vaccine rollout will get things moving in the right direction and will eventually improve those response times.