CAMDEN — Camden fire fighters have all had the opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID-19 this winter.

The vaccine shots were administered by Rockland and Union emergency medical crews at the Flanagan Community Center in Rockland. Vaccinations began with emergency medical staff and next were given to public safety workers.

Camden Fire Chief Chris Farley has received both vaccine shots. Those vaccinated were advised there could be side affects, especially after the second shot, so he took some extra vitamins that day.

Farley said he felt some fatigue the night of Jan. 29, after he received the second shot, and then a call for mutual aid came in the early morning hours of Jan. 30 for a structure fire in an apartment building on Main St. in Rockland. Farley ended up working from 1 a.m. until 10 a.m., along with fire fighters from Rockland, Camden, Rockport, Thomaston, South Thomaston, Owls Head, Warren and Waldoboro. He said he felt no effects of the vaccine shot that morning.

Because health information is private, Farley cannot confirm how many of Camden's full-time and on call fire fighters were vaccinated. A strong majority followed up, he said.

Camden firefighter Clint Beveridge also received his first COVID-19 vaccination shot and had an appointment for his second. Other than a sore arm, there were no issues, he said.

Beveridge hates needles, but felt it was his duty to take the vaccine because it was offered to him.