COVID-19 VACCINATION EFFORTS BEGIN FOR DISTRICT HEALTH SERVICES EMPLOYEES

COVID-19 vaccination efforts for Cedar Rapids Community School District health services employees have officially begun.

As outlined by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Linn County Public Health (LCPH), school health care providers are part of Phase 1A of the vaccine distribution. District health services nurses and health secretaries received their first vaccine dose this week in the Educational Leadership and Support Center (ELSC).

School nurses from all Linn County districts also participated in the ELSC vaccine clinics.

“This is good news for the community,” says Sandy Byard, health services facilitator. “We are grateful for the continued partnership with the Iowa Department of Public Health and Linn County Public Health.”

While vaccines are a major step forward towards normalcy—especially as more are distributed—it is still important for other mitigation measures to be taken, such as wearing masks, social distancing, and frequently washing hands.

“Someone who has been vaccinated could potentially pass COVID-19 to someone else because no vaccine is 100% effective,” explains Byard. “Research supports that the currently available COVID-19 vaccines are over 90% effective.”

As determined by IDPH and LCPH, remaining Cedar Rapids Community School District employees will receive the vaccine as part of Phase 1B, which includes those over age 65, firefighters, U.S. Postal Service workers, police officers, grocery store workers, and other frontline essential workers. LCPH is currently in the planning process for Phase 1B vaccine distribution.

Currently the Pfizer COVID-10 vaccine is approved for use in people 16 years old and older. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is approved for use in people 18 years old and older. Vaccine trials are beginning for children, but it is uncertain when a vaccine will be available for children under the age of 16.

“It’s a relief to have the vaccine since I’m over 45, and have it administered by the professional nurse practitioners from the district,” says Connie Trautman, BSN, RN, health services nurse at Coolidge Elementary School.

Gabrielle Lugo, ARNP, health services nurse at Roosevelt Middle School and Wilson Middle School is helping administer the vaccine. “I feel honored,” she says. “I’m happy to be a part of the effort.”