Fire commission told vaccine mandate is coming as department reports roughly 75% vaccination rate

Chief Janine Nicholson told the San Francisco Fire Commission on July 28 that a citywide vaccination mandate for employees is “coming” and that department staff are working with the Department of Human Resources and the city attorney on timing and implementation. She said employees must enter their vaccination status on the employee portal by the close of business the next day and that further guidance on whether the mandate will be immediate, within about 10 weeks, or contingent on full FDA approval is pending DHR and city attorney direction.

During the commission’s question period, Deputy Jose Bello reported that “75% have been vaccinated” according to the doctors’ office records and that “72% have updated their status on the city portal,” which can show either “yes” or “no.” Chief Nicholson and deputy staff emphasized that portal reporting is incomplete and the true vaccinated share may be higher once everyone updates their status.

Commissioners pressed on operational and public-safety implications. Commissioner Steven Acasio and others said the department’s vaccination rate appeared lower than the citywide adult rate cited in local media. President Katherine Feinstein and Commissioner Francie Covington asked how a member of the public would know whether responding first responders are vaccinated; Nicholson said PPE remains a “fail-safe” on calls and that unreported or unvaccinated staff are required to wear masks at the firehouse and that DHR will take the lead on consequences under a citywide policy.

The commission did not adopt a departmental policy at the meeting; rather, speakers said they were awaiting the city attorney’s and DHR’s directive. Chief Nicholson said the department continues to encourage vaccination, to use PPE on responses, and to push for complete status reporting so leadership can make staffing and safety decisions.

What’s next: department staff said they will implement the forthcoming DHR policy and update the commission as guidance and numbers change.