IRON MOUNTAIN — The majority of police officers and firefighters in Iron Mountain have declined so far to be vaccinated against COVID-19, city council members learned Monday.

During a Zoom discussion on coronavirus policies, City Manager Jordan Stanchina estimated 70% of the city’s full-time first responders have declined the vaccine.

Stanchina did not elaborate on their reasoning, but noted some already have had the virus. Because re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends that people who have recovered from the virus be vaccinated.

According to the Los Angeles Times, an informal survey of LA Police Department employees several weeks ago found significant skepticism about COVID-19 vaccines, with just 60% of respondents saying they would accept the shots when offered.

Locally, general demand for vaccine has far exceeded supply.

The Dickinson-Iron District Health Department has since Jan. 12 scheduled appointments for two priority groups — those age 65 and older, along with first responders, educators, corrections staff and child protective service workers — but has yet to move to the next tier.

Stanchina said the city’s public works employees may be among those next, but “it’s going to take a while.”

The subject came up as the council agreed to extend coronavirus employee rights through June 30. The policy requires the city to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.

Stanchina noted the majority of city employees are essential and will not be required to quarantine if they have been exposed to the virus. In many cases, essential employees may continue to work if they take precautions and remain symptom-free, he said.

“That means that a positive COVID-19 diagnosis would be the only time that additional leave would be used,” he said.

Stanchina, who tested positive for the virus in November, said he was able to work from home because his symptoms never became severe. Other employees who are subject to a quarantine and have the ability to work from home would be able to do the same, he said.

Mayor Dale Alessandrini voted in favor of the policy extension but did express concern about employees declining the vaccine.

“Why should we pay them (for COVID-19 leave) when there’s an alternative?” he said.

To reach herd immunity, some health experts estimate 70% to 90% of the population needs to be immune to the coronavirus, either because they’ve already had the disease or they’ve been vaccinated. The CDC says it’s still evaluating what percentage would need to get vaccinated to make the spread of the disease from person to person unlikely.