Seafarers Get A Shot At Getting The COVID-19 Vaccine

A ship inspector with the Seafarers International Union came up with the idea to give seafarers an opportunity to get the COVID vaccine.

At the Port of Los Angles and Long Beach, where hundreds of ships are caught in holding patterns, a team of health workers navigate vast labyrinths. They make their way to crew members — seafarers, as they're called — who are unable to get to a clinic or pharmacy. 

A U.S. flagship is headed to China by way of Hawaii, which requires vaccinations to go ashore.

It's the case around most of the globe. No vaccination, no leaving the ship. For many international seafarers, this outreach program offers them their first opportunity to get the shot.