Port of Long Beach COVID-19 vaccine program draws to a close - SAFETY4SEA - Safety4Sea

A Port of Long Beach COVID-19 vaccination programme for mariners aboard cargo vessels calling successful the San Pedro Bay volition upwind down by year’s extremity aft delivering astir 12,000 shots to sailors.

The palmy programme operated by the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services successful concern with the Port and the National Guard offered free, onboard COVID-19 vaccinations opening successful the outpouring of 2021 for immoderate cargo ships’ crews berthing successful San Pedro Bay.

During the program’s 1½-year run, 11,766 unit members connected 1,275 ships voluntarily received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine astatine nary charge. In the Port of Long Beach alone, 5,971 unit members connected 684 ships received vaccines. The programme volition travel to an extremity connected Dec. 31.

The innovative programme helped support the wellness of workers passim the proviso chain, helping to guarantee the transportation of indispensable goods during the pandemic. Long Beach Health and Human Services dispatched mobile COVID-19 vaccination units to sojourn ships’ crews aboard docked vessels astatine some the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles. The Long Beach Fire Department besides helped administer vaccinations erstwhile wellness officials were needed elsewhere.

“We are arrogant to person sponsored escaped vaccines for sailors visiting the port. The Port is astir much than conscionable moving cargo, it’s astir the radical who determination the cargo and keeping them steadfast and safe,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero

“We are truthful pleased to person vaccinated truthful galore planetary seafarers, galore of whom had nary accidental to beryllium vaccinated successful their location countries,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Sharon L. Weissman.