Police unions across the country are pushing back against the COVID-19 mandates, but Dr. Anthony Fauci is urging officers to roll up their sleeves to keep themselves safe while on the job.

In a Fox News interview Sunday, Fauci suggested police officers who are against the COVID-19 requirements should consider the consequences of not being unvaccinated.

“Think about the implications of not getting vaccinated when you’re in a position where you have a responsible job, and you want to protect yourself because you’re needed at your job, whether you’re a police officer or a pilot or any other of those kinds of occupations,” Fauci said.

However, the push for the vaccination of police threatens to result in a shortage across the country if officers stop reporting to work over the new policy.

Despite a potential shortage of officers at police departments across the country in the weeks to come, Fauci said receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is critical to officers who wish to do their jobs and keep themselves safe.

“I’m not comfortable with telling people what they should do under normal circumstances, but we are not in normal circumstances right now,” Fauci explained.

“Take the police: We now know the statistics, more police officers die of Covid than they do any other causes of death. So it doesn’t make any sense to not try to protect yourself, as well as the colleagues that you work with.”

Fauci’s push for officers to get vaccinated comes amid opposition from the Chicago police union, which told officers to disregard the Oct. 15 deadline to report their vaccination status to the city.

The rule states city employees who remain unvaccinated by Oct. 15 must get tested for COVID-19 twice a week at their own expense and on their time until the end of the year.

Those who do not abide by the rules will be designated to non-disciplinary, non-paid status and could face consequences, including termination.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is expected to give a coronavirus update Monday afternoon.

Top US disease expert Anthony Fauci
Top U.S. disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci is seen speaking to a New York church group on June 6, 2021. GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Jeenah Moon