Dozens of Independence students get COVID vaccines before school year

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — A Kansas Metropolis space faculty district is working to spice up COVID-19 vaccinations earlier than college students return to high school this fall.

The Independence Faculty District spent Tuesday giving out COVID-19 vaccines at Van Horn Excessive Faculty.

“I really feel quite a bit safer,” pupil Zachary Granberg stated.

Granberg stated he’s able to get again on the soccer area after a loopy season final yr because of the pandemic.

“It was bizarre as a result of we needed to miss loads of video games because of it,” Granberg stated. “Much more than I wished to.”

He stated the easiest way for him to be protected and never miss a recreation this time round is to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

“If I didn’t get this vaccine and somebody ended up getting COVID, I wouldn’t be capable to play soccer,” the Independence teen stated.

Granberg is considered one of dozens of scholars within the Impartial Faculty District who bought their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine earlier than returning again to the classroom this yr.

It’s a choice well being leaders are urging, as COVID-19 circumstances enhance amongst kids 12 and older who will not be vaccinated.

“The vaccine does assist maintain you protected, and we need to present these selections,” stated Lori Halsey, director of well being companies for the Independence Faculty District. “In the event that they need to take part, then they’ll select to take action.”

Not solely did a number of college students get their COVID-19 shot Tuesday, however high-schoolers additionally obtained a free bodily as properly. College students who bought their first dose Tuesday will likely be totally vaccinated in time for the primary day of faculty on Aug. 23.

“Lots of people have been scared (concerning the vaccine),” stated Connie Dawson, who took her daughter to get vaccinated. “My factor was I wasn’t scared, per say, as a result of to me it’s extra scary for them to get one thing that you understand might have an effect on them extra.”

Mother and father like Dawson stated earlier within the course of, she was nervous about her daughter getting the shot, however now she’s encouraging mother and father that it’s higher to be protected than sorry.

“We truly had COVID in our home, so I simply don’t need to get it once more, and it’s that extreme,” Dawson stated.

The CDC stated final week that vaccinated students and teachers don’t have to wear a mask at school, however the Independence Faculty District hasn’t selected its coverage but. The district is assembly on a masks coverage subsequent month.