West Liberty-Salem teachers, administrators and support staff joined other educators to receive their first round of the COVID-19 vaccination Friday at the Champaign Health District.
The vaccinations, now in Phase 1B of the state’s rollout, are being distributed to front line workers, school personnel and community members over the age of 70 this week.
According to the vaccination schedule for Ohio schools released by Governor Mike DeWine last week, Logan County school districts have been assigned to the fourth and final week on the schedule, to be distributed the week of Feb. 22.
When West Liberty-Salem was offered the opportunity to receive the vaccine, nearly 80 staff members signed up right away, district officials said.
Trisha Foster, a WL-S parent and Champaign Health District employee, worked with school district staff members to schedule the vaccinations.
“It was a great feeling seeing my children’s teachers, staff and administrators receive their first Covid vaccine,” she said. “It truly shows how much they care about the well being of all of the students (including my own children) and each other at West Liberty-Salem.”
While a recent study by The Ohio School Covid-19 Research Team suggests that transmission at school remains low with the safety protocols put in place, getting vaccinated is a key component in keeping students and staff in-person learning and reducing the spread in the local communities, district officials related.
WL-S staff will receive their second dose of the vaccine three weeks after their first dose. Parents will be notified in advance if scheduling will impact the school day.
The Logan County Health District’s website, www.loganhealth.org, has online wait list form for individuals eligible for the vaccine in Phase 1B. The vaccine also is available locally by appointment through Mary Rutan Hospital and Kroger Pharmacy.