Local school districts frustrated by vaccine process
By JEFF STITT and TAYLOR BROWN
jstitt@yourmvi.com
tbrown@yourmvi.com
The Pennsylvania Department of Health rolled out an updated COVID-19 vaccination plan this week that has education workers in Phase 1B.
But educators in the Mon Valley and across the region are struggling with inadequate and often conflicting messages about when and where teachers and staff can receive their first doses.
Under Phase 1A — the current phase — the vaccine is available to people 65 and older, as well as those 16 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions that make them more vulnerable to the disease. A full list of medical conditions is available in version 5 of the interim vaccine plan on the DOH website.
Previously, COVID-19 vaccines were limited to health care workers and long-term care residents and staff. Nursing home vaccine distribution began the week of Dec. 28.
“Education workers” are included in Phase 1B, along with those in congregate settings not otherwise specified as long-term care facilities, and anyone receiving home and community-based services, first responders, individuals caring for children or adults in early childhood and adult day programs, clergy and other essential support for houses of worship, correctional officers and workers serving people in congregate care settings not included in Phase 1A. Also included are food and agricultural, U.S. Postal Service, manufacturing, grocery store and public transit workers.
As the next phase looms closer and as more people eligible in 1A complain they don’t know where and when to get the vaccine, most teachers and school administrators have gotten little guidance on how to move forward.
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