In response to a question from a member of the news media, Beam said the state’s focus on vaccination to fight COVID will continue to consist of education and encouragement. She encouraged school officials to contact local vaccine providers to plan school-based Pfizer vaccine clinics for younger students as early as November. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a process that will likely take several weeks.īut that doesn’t mean schools shouldn’t start planning ahead, Beam said. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Pfizer’s application will be reviewed by the U.S. She spoke about Pfizer recently submitting it’s vaccine for approval for kids ages 5 to 11. “We know that vaccinations are one of the best ways to prevent illness from COVID-19 and to keep students learning in-person,” she said.Īnd, Beam added, there’s some good news on the horizon. The state needs to keep making progress in those age ranges to make sure schools can remain open, Beam said. Beam said 21.9% of kids ages 12 to 14 are fully vaccinated, along with 42.6% of those ages 15 to 19. That’s why we encourage everyone eligible to get vaccinated, and we encourage schools to help make it as convenient as possible.”Ĭhildren as young as 12 are currently eligible to get vaccinated. “We know that vaccinations are one of the best ways to prevent illness due to COVID-19 and help keep students learning in-person. “It’s very encouraging that more than half-a-million school-aged kids are already vaccinated,” she said. Part of that effort, she said, is getting eligible school-age children vaccinated.
Vaccine updateĪcting Secretary of Health Alison Beam commended students, staff and families for working together to create a smooth start to the school year. He said that in certain circumstances federal COVID relief money may be used to pay parents, and that interested parents should contact their school district. Myers also mentioned that money may be available to compensate parents who drive their kids to school. Tests slots can be scheduled online at or by calling 71. The sites will be open for four consecutive Mondays starting Oct. Myers said the state’s 23 CDL testing sites will start offering skills testing on Mondays, a day that testing sites are typically closed. officials say schools need bus drivers, and they should prepare to help vaccinate younger studentsįor those without a CDL who are interested in becoming a school bus driver, the state is making an adjustment to make getting a CDL easier.